How young is it possible to get breast cancer

Some women are at an increased risk of breast cancer in their 20s or 30s. These risk factors include:. Breast cancer happens when cells in the breast begin to grow and multiply abnormally. Changes in DNA can cause normal breast cells to become abnormal.

The exact reason why normal cells turn into cancerous cells is unclear, but researchers know that hormones, environmental factors, and genetics each play a role. Roughly 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are linked to inherited gene mutations. If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, your doctor may suggest testing your blood for these specific mutations.

In some cases, breast cancer in your 20s and 30s has been found to differ biologically from the cancers found in older women. For example, younger women are more likely to receive a diagnosis of triple-negative and HER2-positive breast cancers than older women. The number of women under 40 receiving diagnoses of metastatic breast cancer is increasing.

The progression to metastasis in breast cancer is more likely in adolescent and young women than in older women who have a diagnosis of early stage breast cancer.

Metastatic breast cancer means that the cancer has advanced to stage 4. Most cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in older women. The median age for breast cancer diagnosis between and was 62 years. While uncommon, it is possible for young women to develop breast cancer. Young women often report feeling socially isolated or alone during and after their breast cancer treatment — even if they are surrounded by supportive family and friends.

Fear of recurrence is the fear that breast cancer could return in the breast, or in another part of the body. This affects any woman diagnosed with breast cancer. However, young women must live much longer with this fear. Even following successful treatment from breast cancer, many of those affected live with an ongoing fear that their cancer will return. This fear can be debilitating and can lead to anxiety, depression and reduced quality of life. Many times the fear overtakes my ability to do basic things and it has led to anxiety and depression at its worst.

ConquerFear will be a great tool for people diagnosed with cancer to tap into and use the strategies to control their fears and anxieties and focus on our goals and daily living. All women are at risk of developing breast cancer and the risk greatly increases with age with most cases of breast cancer occurring in women over the age of There are a range of factors that can increase breast cancer risk in young women. The causes of breast cancer in young women can include lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption and non-lifestyle factors such as genetics.

Young women may have an increased risk of breast cancer due to factors such as:. Understanding the risk factors for breast cancer and being breast aware is vital for the early detection of breast cancer in young women. Earlier detection means more treatment options, a much higher chance of survival and an increased quality of life for women at all ages. If you are concerned that you may have an increased risk of breast cancer, please speak with your GP or local family cancer clinic, who will help you assess your risk and refer you for further genetic testing if needed.

Organised breast cancer screening aims to detect breast cancers at an early stage in women. In Australia, population-based screening is performed by BreastScreen Australia and involves mammograms an x-ray of the breast. As there is currently insufficient evidence that mammography is an effective nation wide breast cancer screening strategy for young women, routine breast screening for under 40s is not offered.

An effective method for early detection of breast cancer in young women is breast awareness. Women of all ages should become aware of how their breasts normally look and feel, and to report any new or unusual changes to their general practitioner without delay. Being a woman and getting older are the main risk factors for breast cancer.

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