One of the most important aspects of the overall well-being of women of all ages is keeping their breast health in check. Indeed, most young women don't usually think about getting breast cancer, but that doesn't mean that there aren't any chances of getting it. After all, studies show that 7% of breast cancer happen in women who are under 40. Being aware of symptoms and risk factors regardless of age is good practice.
What is the difference with breast cancer in young women?
The typical age for getting breast cancer is over 45, so if a young person receives a breast cancer diagnosis, there is a chance that their disease is more advanced than the ones who get breast cancer over the age of 45. Routine screenings for breast cancer don't usually start until the person becomes 40, which would make recognizing the symptoms particularly difficult for young women. The key is to keep performing self-exams regardless of age so that you can alert your healthcare provider if anything unusual occurs.
Who is likely to develop breast cancer at a younger age?
Suppose you have a family history of either a mother, sister or any other close relative who was diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 45. In that case, you are more likely to get diagnosed with breast cancer at an early age.
If you have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, you have a higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. The genes BRCA helps fix damaged DNA. But when they are changed, the DNA in the cells can be transformed in a way that leads to cancer.
Symptoms of breast cancer in young women:
Breast cancer symptoms in young women are the same as the symptoms found in other breast cancer patients.
Generally, you feel a lump on either your breast or your armpits. Other than that, your breasts can feel tired, or you might experience pain in either your breasts or armpits. Sometimes, changes in the skin of your breasts can also be experienced, like redness, dimpling of breast skin, or even a skin rash. You could also experience inverted nipple or nipple discharge; the latter occurring with or without nipple pain. In other cases, there could be thickening or swelling in your breast skin or nipple.
Does age factor into your options for breast cancer treatment?
Treatments are the same for all ages, with a few exceptions. Your doctor will help you choose the most effective treatment based on the grade, type, and tumor stage. Some exceptions include women who haven't gone through menopause are not recommended to use drugs called aromatase inhibitors. If your doctor considers it medically feasible, they suggest you opt for a lumpectomy. This helps remove the tumor, keeping the breast intact. Chemotherapy usually becomes necessary after lumpectomy.
Does treatment affect your fertility?
Breast cancer can affect your fertility. Exposing your body to chemotherapy or radiation can damage cells in your ovaries that are responsible for the production of healthy eggs. This damage can make it difficult for you to get pregnant. Tamoxifen, a hormone therapy, affects your periods by making it come late or stopping it entirely. This also reduces your chances of getting pregnant. If you want to conceive a child, it's best to talk to a fertility specialist about your options before starting treatment.
Outlook for people who develop breast cancer:
There has been a drastic change in the outlook for people with breast cancer over the years. If this cancer is localized to the breast region, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. The survival rate goes down to 86% if the cancer has spread to nearby structures or lymph nodes.
Bottom line:
To make informed choices and to catch your cancer in the early stages, you have to learn all you can about your cancer and understand what treatment option might work best for you. Please consult your doctor on how your age will factor into your treatment options and their impact on your overall health. Also, sharing how you feel regarding your diagnosis with family, friends, and or professionals can help elevate some anxieties and fears you may have.