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Estrogen and progesterone drive breast development (thelarche), typically starting between ages 8 and 13. The ductal system grows, and fat is deposited. This process continues until the early 20s.

Breast density varies. People with dense breasts have more glandular and connective tissue than fat, which can make mammograms harder to read and is a moderate risk factor for cancer. breast

Society has a complicated relationship with breasts: they are simultaneously sexualized in media and functional in motherhood. This duality can lead to shame, confusion, and even barriers to healthcare (e.g., a woman delaying a mammogram due to anxiety about modesty). and even barriers to healthcare (e.g.