Too Young for Breast Cancer?

Except for skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women.Based on current incidence rates, experts estimate that about 1 out of every 8 women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point during her life.

Most breast cancers are found in women age 50 and older, but this disease also affects younger women: About 11 percent of all new cases in the U.S. are found in women age 45 and younger.

Who has a higher risk?

A woman’s risk of developing breast cancer increases as she gets older. Even though age is the strongest risk factor for this disease, women younger than 45 have a higher risk if:

• They have close relatives who were diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer (particularly at age 45 or younger).
• They have changes in certain breast cancer genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2).
• They have an Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.
• They were treated with radiation therapy to the breast or chest in childhood or early adulthood.
• They have had breast cancer or other breast health problems such as lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), atypical ductal hyperplasia, or atypical lobular hyperplasia.
• They have dense breasts on a mammogram.

Women have an average risk of getting breast cancer at a young age if the risk factors listed above don’t apply to them. Aside from genetics, little is known about what causes breast cancer in women younger than 45 years of age.

How can you reduce your risk?

If you are at higher risk, talk to your healthcare provider. He or she may refer you to a genetic counselor, recommend that you get screened earlier and more frequently, or consider medicines or surgeries that can lower your risk.

If you are at average risk, it is important for you to know how your breasts normally look and feel. Talk to your doctor at Riverview Health if you notice changes in your breasts.

Has it been a while since your last check-up, or do you need a new physician? Call us at 317.565.0535 to request an appointment.

Sources: Cancer.gov, CDC.gov