[innocent]

I am 18 and I am always worried that I have breast cancer, because it runs in my family. I know that I am young, but everytime I check myself, I am just so lumpy, I can't tell the diffrence.

I went to a breast cancer awareness meeting that I went to and the nurse let us feel fake breasts with the lumps in them. She said that some girls are just lumpy, breast feel no where near the smooth fake one with a few lumps they feel like all lumps...

my mom swears that it is just because I am not eating right, and it makes me sore.

I've noticed that it is very sore right before my monthly friend visits, but I am such a worrywart that it bothers me.

Is this normal? Am I stressing out over nothing? Do some girls just have lumpy breasts, and if so then how will you tell if they are abnormal?

I know that you all are not doctors, and will probably tell me to see one, but I don't have health care at college that covers that, so what do I do?

[moimeme]

Each month during one's menstrual cycle, the breast tissue alternately swells and returns to normal. Hormonal stimulation of the breast tissue causes the milk glands and ducts to enlarge, and the breasts to retain water. The breasts frequently feel swollen, painful, tender, and lumpy at this time.

For a really good site about cysts and breasts, read http://www.fwradiology.com/fibrobrst.htm

Bottom line is that if something feels suspicious, you should get it checked out. Your life is worth the money you'll spend. Call the numbers there, though. I'm pretty sure there must be breast screening clinics you can go to. And most colleges have clinics for their students - check that out.