Breast Cancer Striking More Young Women — Earlier Screenings Urged for Those Most at Risk
From a young age, Lizzy Freier has been diligent about checking her breasts for lumps.
Like many women, she learned to do a breast self-exam. The showers in her college dorms even had step-by-step guides: Lift your arm, press the tips of your fingers down on your breast and move them in a circular motion to look for anything new or foreign.
But when Freier was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year, just days before her 36th birthday, the warning sign wasn’t something she was ever told to look out for.
One of her nipples became inverted. She didn’t think anything of it at first. But when it didn’t go back to normal, she went in to see her OB-GYN. She got her first mammogram and was eventually diagnosed with stage one invasive ductal carcinoma.
“I had never heard of an inverted nipple as being something I should be concerned about or looking out for,” Freier said. “I have felt the need to tell anyone I know that it’s not just about searching for lumps. There are other signs of breast cancer to keep an eye out for that people don’t talk about.”
Increased Risk of Breast Cancer in Young Women
Over the past two decades, more and more women under the age of 50 are being diagnosed with breast cancer. But researchers have yet to figure out why this spike is happening.
Because most women don’t begin regular breast cancer screening until they’re 40, younger women are also being diagnosed with later-stage tumors when the disease is more aggressive and harder to treat, according to a study published this year from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
Making matters more difficult, the guidelines for when and how often to get screened aren’t clear, said Dr. Lisa Stempel, the head of breast imaging across Rush Hospitals.
Risks and Warning Signs of Breast Cancer
Freier is one of the many young women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age. The risk of breast cancer increases as women age, but younger women are also at higher risk.
The Washington University study found that Black women ages 20 to 29 have a 53% higher risk of breast cancer compared to their white counterparts, Washington University researchers found.
“It’s a very confusing environment for women,” Stempel said. “Every woman should be screened every year starting at 40.”
Importance of Regular Screenings
Regular screenings are proven to be effective, reducing the risk of death by 40%, Stempel said. They also help detect cancer earlier, which can mean less invasive treatment, little to no chemotherapy, and overall better outcomes, she said.
Long before they begin regular screenings, Stempel said, women should be assessed for their risk of contracting breast cancer.
Breast Density and Cancer Risk
Mammograms also inform women whether they have dense breasts. Breast density is a measurement of the ratio of fatty tissue to glandular tissue. How dense someone’s breasts are can only be determined in a scan, not from touch, Stempel said.
“The reason density matters are twofold: Dense tissue increases the risk of breast cancer, and it can hide cancer,” Stempel said.
Conclusion
In conclusion, breast cancer is a serious health issue that affects women of all ages, including younger women. It is essential for women to be aware of the risks and warning signs of breast cancer and to undergo regular screenings. Early detection can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes and ultimately save lives.
FAQs
Q: At what age should women start getting regular breast cancer screenings?
A: The American Cancer Society recommends that women start getting screened at age 45, while the American Society of Breast Surgeons recommends that women get screened annually starting at age 40.
Q: What are the warning signs of breast cancer?
A: The warning signs of breast cancer include lumps, unusual nipple discharge, and changes in the shape or size of the breast. Some women may also experience a pulling or tingling sensation in the breast or nipple area, or see changes in the appearance of their skin or the shape of their breast.
Q: How can women reduce their risk of breast cancer?
A: Women can reduce their risk of breast cancer by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking. They can also reduce their risk by getting regular breast cancer screenings, especially if they have a family history of the disease.
