Introduction
In recent years, breast cancer is increasingly affecting younger women in our country, with trends showing diagnoses in women under 40. This is an alarming shift, as screening for breast cancer typically starts at the age of 40.
In this article, we will be discussing the possible causes of breast cancer in young women, and what breast cancer symptoms younger women should keep an eye on.
Breast Cancer in Younger Women: What Should You Know
Studies from 2020 suggest that 25 years ago, 69% of breast cancer cases were diagnosed in women aged between 50 and 70. About 9% of breast cancer cases were diagnosed in women aged between 20 and 40 years old. As of 2020, about 20% of breast cancer cases are reported among women aged 20 and 40, 28% of cases among women aged between 40 and 50, and about 30% of cases among women aged between 50 and 60.
Breast cancer in younger women is rather aggressive and tends to have features like larger tumor size, advanced disease stage, negative hormone receptor status (triple-negative), and overexpression of the HER2 protein.
Possible causes for this shift in the trend may include family history of breast cancer, genetic mutations, hormonal factors, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, previous radiation exposure, and history of certain breast conditions.
Key Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Younger Women
Similar breast cancer symptoms may be experienced among women of all age groups. However, some younger women may not experience any symptoms in the initial stages. That said, the following are the different breast cancer symptoms observed in younger women:
- Presence of a Lump: A lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm.
- Breast Pain: Pain or tenderness in the breast or nipple that does not change with the monthly cycle.
- Clear or Bloody Nipple Discharge: Unusual discharge from the nipple may indicate breast cancer.
- Change in the Appearance of the Nipple: Change in the breast or nipple such as color, shape, or size, for example, an inverted nipple.
- Swelling in the Armpit: Swelling in the armpit or near the collarbone could indicate that the breast cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes.
- Change in the Appearance and Texture of the Breast Skin: Skin irritations or changes such as redness, puckering, dimpling, peeling, and flakiness around the nipple or skin of the breast.
In the advanced stages, the disease may have spread to different organs and may exhibit organ-specific symptoms.
How to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk?
It is possible to reduce breast cancer risk with appropriate preventive measures, namely regular breast self-examinations, annual clinical exams, healthy lifestyle practices, and awareness of family history.
High-risk individuals should speak to their physician for early screening recommendations. Awareness of signs, symptoms, and preventive practices is vital for early diagnosis and better outcomes.
Bottom Note
Younger population groups should be made aware of how certain factors can increase their cancer risk and what appropriate measures can be taken to reduce it. Awareness about risk factors and different symptoms associated with breast cancer can help one make informed health decisions.
