Breast Cancer in the Young?

Breast cancer is one of the most common and deadliest cancers in women. Although it is common in women over 50, breast cancer can still occur in young women under certain circumstances.    

Knowing the risk factor of breast cancer and early signs and symptoms can help you get started on getting treated early. Some factors that could predispose you to getting breast cancer and at an early age include: 

• Having a family history (close family members) who was diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50. 
• Having had your first menstrual period before age 12. 
• Having a BRCA1 OR BRCA2 gene mutation. 
• Having had a previous abnormal biopsy. 
• Being physically in active or over weight. 
• Heavy alcohol use, high intake of red meat, dense breasts. 

Early screening and detection of breast cancers improve the chances of survival and expands your treatment options.  

Methods Of Early Detection 

Mammography is the screening test of choice for breast cancer. Mammography uses radiation to scan the breast for areas of abnormal tissue growth; however, this screening test is not recommended for women under 40 years as research shows that women younger than 40 with an average risk of breast cancer do not benefit from routine mammographic screening and have more false negative results false. The reason for these is because younger women are more likely to have denser breast tissue which is usually not well evaluated by mammography. 

The best methods for early detection of the disease in young women are; 

BREAST AWARENESS:  young women should be aware of the normal look and feel of their breasts so they can spot any changes.  

CLINICAL BREAST EXAMINATION: let the doctor check your breast your doctor will visually check your breasts while you are sitting up and physically examine your breasts while you are lying down. 

BE AWARE OF YOUR BREAST: 

There are common changes that could be due to breast cancer, they include; 

• Persistent pain in the breast or armpit. 
• Swelling or a lump in the armpit. 
• A lump or thickening in the breast. 
• A change in the shape or size of the breast or nipple. 
• Rash or changes to the skin around the breast. 
• Dimpling of the skin or the nipple. 

Once you observe any of these changes, you should see your doctor for further evaluation. This significantly lowers your risk of developing full blown breast cancer if the small changes are detected early.  

In summary, a woman can have breast cancer at an early age; if you know you have any family history of breast cancers or any other predisposing risk factors, visit your doctor immediately for screening and other checks.