Breast cancer is very rare in very young children and adolescents. In fact the prevalence is said to be 0.1 per cent or even less. Advancing age, exposure to estrogens, are some of the risk factors for breast cancer,which do not occur in very young children. Though very rare, breast cancer has been diagnosed in young children.

In May 2009, a 10-year-old girl had made news in the U.S. due to being diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Her only complaint at that time being itching in the left breast. The mother noted a lump as well and investigations revealed the diagnosis. In this case, genetic factors were postulated. Environmental carcinogens like exposure to chemicals, use of alcohol and or tobacco may have also been responsible.