Diagnosing Breast Cancer in Younger Women
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an ideal time to examine breast cancer statistics. One common misconception about breast cancer is that it only happens to older women. While the risk of breast cancer increases with age, young women can and do get breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 5% of breast cancer cases occur in women under 40.
Despite the lower incidence rates, breast cancer in younger women can be more aggressive and present issues such as fertility concerns. Breast cancer awareness and education are essential to improve early detection and treatment outcomes at any age. Below, Pegalis Law Group, LLC takes a closer look at the unique challenges of diagnosing breast cancer in younger women and what can be done to save lives.
How Often Is Breast Cancer Misdiagnosed in Younger Women?
Breast cancer in younger women may be rare, but the number of annual diagnoses is increasing. Over 12,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in U.S. women under 40 every year, with more than 1,000 women under 40 dying from the disease. There may be an uptick in the number of younger women being diagnosed with breast cancer due to many environmental and lifestyle factors, such as a rise in physical inactivity due to remote working, widespread use of birth control and hormone replacement therapies, increased alcohol consumption, and more exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Improved awareness and screening technology advancements have contributed to earlier detection rates. However, breast cancer misdiagnosis in younger women is not uncommon. Studies indicate that younger women may experience significant delays in diagnosis compared to older women. This can be partially attributed to the lack of routine screenings in this age group and the rarity of the disease in younger demographics. Younger women may present more aggressive tumors, but their concerns are sometimes underestimated or misattributed to benign conditions such as cysts, which delay diagnosis.
Why Are Younger Women More Difficult to Diagnose & Treat?
Diagnosing breast cancer in younger women is often difficult due to the dense breast tissue typical for this age group, which can make tumors difficult to detect during mammograms. Consequently, younger women may require additional imaging tests such as an ultrasound or MRI to diagnose cancer. Sadly, many women are told their doctor can’t order a mammogram because they’re too young for this type of testing. Treatment of breast cancer in younger women is also more complex due to factors like tumor aggression, fertility concerns, and potential impacts on family planning. Most breast cancer treatment plans typically include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Young women who may be planning to have a baby in the future may wish to discuss potential concerns about these treatments. There needs to be increased awareness among healthcare providers and their patients about the risk of breast cancer in younger women. However, only you can advocate for your health by seeking second (or third) medical opinions if necessary.
What Can You Do to Prevent a Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis?
Recognizing the warning signs of breast cancer is as crucial as being conscious of your family’s medical history with this deadly disease. Women of all ages must be aware of their breast health and report any unusual changes to their healthcare provider as soon as possible. Self-examine your breasts regularly and notify your doctor if you notice any of the following warning signs associated with breast cancer:
- Changes in breast size or shape
- New lumps or masses in the breast or underarm areas
- Nipple changes in size, shape, or discharge
- Skin changes (redness, puckering, dimpling, or scaling)
- Pain in the breast or nipple
- Swelling or thickening of breast tissue
While these symptoms do not always mean breast cancer is present, they shouldn’t be ignored. Early consultation with your healthcare provider can lead to earlier detection and better treatment options.
Spreading Public Awareness to Save Lives for 50+ Years
For 50+ years, Pegalis Law Group, LLC has made it our concern to spread public awareness and create proactive patients. If you need an experienced personal injury or medical malpractice law firm by your side, we would be happy to represent you in the New York area. Please visit our website and follow us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for more healthcare-related insights this year and beyond.