Breast Cancer in Young Women: What You Should Know About Your Risk

Breast cancer is a form of cancer that develops in one or both breasts. It occurs when cells start growing out of control. If not caught and treated early, breast cancer can get into your blood or lymph system and travel to other parts of your body. This is what doctors call metastatic breast cancer.

Most breast cancers are found in women 50 and older. If you haven’t reached that age, you might think you have little or no risk of developing breast cancer. However, approximately 11% of new breast cancer cases in the U.S. are found in women younger than 45. And breast cancer in young women tends to be more aggressive and spreads quickly.

Consequently, it’s essential to understand your risk and how to reduce it.

What Factors Increase Cancer Risk for Women Under 45?

If you’re under 45, you may have a higher breast cancer risk if:

• You have close relatives who were diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, particularly when diagnosed before age 45.
• You inherited mutations in specific genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.
• You received radiation therapy to your chest or breast area during childhood or early adulthood.
• You have dense breasts, which means you have more connective tissue than fatty tissue.
• You started your period before age 12 or have not given birth to a first child before age 30.
• You have a personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases.
• You have a family history of prostate or pancreatic cancer.
• You are of African American or Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.

Having a higher risk of developing breast cancer shouldn’t worry you. But you should be proactive and talk with your doctor about genetic testing, getting mammograms earlier or more often and medicines or surgeries that can lower your risk.

What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Young Women?

Because routine mammograms aren’t typically recommended for women under 45 who have average risk, recognizing physical changes in your body is critical.

Breast cancer can produce a variety of subtle or distinct warning signs. You should contact your physician right away if:

• You detect a new lump or mass in the breast, upper chest or armpit area, which may feel hard, soft, tender or painless.
• You observe thickening, swelling or redness in any part of the breast.
• Veins on the surface of the breast become more prominent or visible.
• You notice irritation, dimpling or puckering of the breast skin, sometimes resembling an orange peel.
• Flaking, scaly, swollen or red skin develops around the nipple or breast area.
• You experience nipple retraction, pulling inward or changes in nipple position.
• You identify nipple discharge other than breast milk, including clear fluid or blood.
• Distinct changes in the size, shape or overall contour of the breast are visible.
• You feel persistent pain or aching in any area of the breast or armpit.

How Can I Reduce My Breast Cancer Risk Prior to Age 45?

The thought of breast cancer understandably concerns many women and their families. The good news is that you can take steps right now to reduce your cancer risk. They include that you should:

• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise regularly (at least four hours a week).
• Avoid or limit alcohol consumption (no more than one drink per day).
• Avoid exposure to chemicals that can cause cancer (carcinogens).
• Reduce exposure to radiation during medical tests such as mammograms, X-rays, CT scans and PET scans.
• Talk to your doctor about risks associated with hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives (birth control pills).
• Breastfeed your babies, if possible.
• Pay attention to how your breasts typically look and feel. Learn about any family history of breast cancer.

Being vigilant is very important. If you notice any unusual breast changes or experience any of the symptoms outlined above, tell your physician.

Learning about breast cancer detection and diagnosis is also a good idea.

Take Charge of Your Breast Health With Guidance From Baptist Health

Breast cancer is a potentially life-threatening disease. Fortunately, doctors can treat it successfully in many cases, especially if they catch it early. Take our free breast cancer health assessment today and learn more about Baptist Health’s cancer care services or find a physician near you in our provider directory.