Found a hard lump on the bone of my sternum- concerned?

I’m a 22 year old female and today I noticed for the first time a small lump (about the size of a pea) near the centre of my chest. It feels like bone and is on my sternum. It’s only on one side and I’m certain it wasn’t there before (at least not since a few weeks ago). 

I’ve never had any serious physical health conditions but cancer does run strongly in my family.

Should I be worried and get it checked out, or is it likely just a weird bit of bone growth?

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  • Hi, I found a hard lump between my breasts where the sternum is which was sore to touch.  I completely made myself ill and didn't sleep a wink the whole night for thinking I had cancer.

    I managed to get a Doctors appointment the following day and was reassured after an examination that some people have more predominant sternum bones and sometimes you can get inflammation here for no apparent medical reason and it's nothing to be worried about. The Doctor also said I would be surprised at how many people come in for the same reason as it isn't a place you are overfamiliar with and usually notice it by sheer chance.

    My lovely Foctor told me any lumps or bumps should be checked out and that they more often than not prove to be harmless.