Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer caused 2.3 million new cases and 685,000 deaths in 2020 alone.

Although it is more commonly associated with older age groups, younger women can also develop breast cancer, and their risk may be higher than they realize.

What is breast cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control.

There are different types of breast cancer, and the most common type is invasive ductal carcinoma, which starts in the milk ducts and spreads to nearby tissue. Other types of breast cancer include invasive lobular carcinoma, inflammatory breast cancer, and triple-negative breast cancer.

Why are young women at risk?

While breast cancer is more commonly diagnosed in women over 50, young women can also develop the disease.

According to a study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, women aged 20-49 have a higher risk of developing aggressive breast cancer compared to postmenopausal women. Additionally, young women with a family history of breast cancer or certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, are at an increased risk of developing the disease.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump or mass in the breast.

Other symptoms may include swelling, skin irritation or dimpling, breast or nipple pain, nipple retraction or inversion, redness or thickening of the nipple or breast skin, and discharge from the nipple. It is important to note that not all lumps or changes in the breast are cancerous, but it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.

How can young women reduce their risk?

While some risk factors, such as age and family history, cannot be changed, there are some steps young women can take to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer:.

Exercise regularly.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Limit alcohol intake.
Consider breastfeeding.
Get regular breast cancer screenings, such as mammograms and clinical breast exams.
Self-examine their breasts regularly to check for any changes or abnormalities.

What should young women do if they are at risk?

If a young woman is at an increased risk of developing breast cancer, she should talk to her healthcare provider about appropriate screening and prevention options.

Women with a family history of breast cancer or genetic mutations may be advised to undergo genetic testing, consider prophylactic surgeries, or receive more frequent screenings. Early detection is key to successful breast cancer treatment, so it is important for young women to be proactive about their breast health.

The bottom line

Although breast cancer is more commonly associated with older age groups, young women can also develop the disease, and their risk may be higher than they realize.

By taking proactive steps to reduce their risk, such as exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular breast cancer screenings, young women can be proactive about their breast health.