Young women don’t usually think about getting breast cancer; after all, only 7 percent of all breast cancers occur in women under age 40. However, breast cancer can occur at any age, no matter what age. It is important to know the risk factors.
The following factors contribute to a higher risk of developing breast cancer:
- Personal history of breast cancer or some non-cancerous breast disease
- Family history of breast cancer, especially mother, daughter or sister
- Radiotherapy to the chest before age 40
- The presence of a specific gene mutation such as BRCA1 or BRCA2
- Menarche before age 12
- For some women, also includes age at first birth
Other risk factors include excessive alcohol consumption, high intake of red meat, dense breasts, obesity, and race.
Some studies have shown that taking birth control pills within the past 10 years slightly increases the risk of breast cancer. However, other studies have not demonstrated such risks.
Estrogen and progestin replacement therapy can also increase the risk of breast cancer.
How is breast cancer different in younger women?
Breast cancer is more difficult to diagnose in women under age 40 because their breast tissue is usually denser than older women. By the time a lump is found in a young woman’s breast, the cancer may have metastasized.
In addition, breast cancer in younger women is aggressive and treatment is less likely to work. Women diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age are more likely to have a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.
Delayed diagnosis of breast cancer can cause a number of problems. Many young women tend to ignore warning signs, such as breast lumps or abnormal nipple discharge, because they think they are too young to have breast cancer. Young women may think the lumps are harmless cysts or otherwise, and some doctors may also mistake breast lumps in young women for cysts.
Should women under age 40 have a mammogram?
Usually, regular mammograms are not recommended for women under age 40, in part because breast tissue is usually dense and mammograms are not as effective. Most experts believe that people below a certain age have a low risk of breast cancer and do not need radiation therapy or mammography. However, mammography is recommended for young women with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors.
What is the best way to screen for breast cancer in young women?
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that all women know what their breasts look and feel like and tell their doctor about any changes. People can consult their doctors about the pros and cons of breast self-examination.
It is recommended that women have regular breast exams by their doctor at least once every 3 years, starting at age 20. The panel did not agree on when to start mammograms, and patients should consult their physicians about when to start mammograms that are appropriate for their situation. For younger women, digital mammography can be a better alternative to standard mammography for detecting abnormalities within dense breast tissue.
How is breast cancer treated in young women?
Treatment decisions are made based on whether the breast cancer has metastasized outside the breast and on the patient’s overall health and personal situation. Treatment options include:
Surgery: mastectomy, which removes the tumor and some surrounding tissue, or mastectomy, which removes the entire breast.
Mastectomy is usually followed by radiation therapy, and chemotherapy and endocrine therapy are often recommended after surgery to help destroy the remaining cancer cells and stop recurrence.
Breast cancer treatment can affect sexual desire, fertility, and pregnancy. If you want to have children, you should consult your doctor before starting treatment.