Breast cancer can happen at any age, according to Dr. Karen Rosewater, though it is quite rare in teenagers.

It is, however, fairly common to feel soreness in your breasts as they are developing. Sometimes girls can even feel a small lump underneath the nipple area, which can be especially tender during development. This may be what you're experiencing.

There could be other reasons for the intermittent pain. Even as fully developed adults, women sometimes have breast pain a week or so before their periods, due the production of female hormones. Bloating during this period may also cause the breasts to swell, causing them to feel tight and achy, especially during the development stage.

Dr. Rosewater says there may be less common medical conditions, such as cysts or fibrous growths, which could cause painful lumps in the breasts. These, she explains, are usually benign and can be treated or, at the very least, watched by a physician.

I would urge you to have the lump checked out by a health care provider, who will take all of these things into consideration when making a diagnosis. Better to be on the safe side!

Be well.