Nearly one in four breast cancers diagnosed in women under 50, new study says Image By HPN staff Key Points Women ages 18–49 accounted for roughly one-quarter of breast cancer diagnoses in the study, with more than 80% of cases being invasive, underscoring that the disease is not rare or mild in younger patients. Most routine screening begins at age 40 or later, leaving younger women, especially those without clearly defined high-risk factors, without formal guidance, even as many cancers are detected only after symptoms appear. Experts argue for greater emphasis on personal and family history, genetics, and breast density rather than age alone, encouraging earlier evaluation for some women to catch aggressive cancers sooner. A new study reveals a concerning rise in breast cancer among women under 50. Between 2014 and 2024, women ages 18 to 49 accounted for roughly 20% to 24% of all breast cancers diagnosed across seven outpatient facilities in New York. While they represented about a quarter of patients screened each year, they consistently accounted for one in four cancers detected. Of the nearly 1,800 cases identified in this group, about 81% were invasive, meaning the tumors could spread beyond the breast. Why it matters Screening guidance for younger women is limited. For those at average risk, routine mammograms typically start at 40, with some organizations recommending annual screening beginning at 45 and the option to start earlier in the early 40s. Women considered high risk — because of family history, genetic factors or other indicators — may begin yearly mammograms or add breast MRI as early as age 30. Outside of these high-risk groups, formal guidance for women under 40 does not exist. Dr. Stamatia Destounis, one of the study’s authors, said the findings underscore that breast cancer in younger women is not rare and is often aggressive. “We can’t rely only on age to determine who should be screened,” she said. “Paying closer attention to personal and family history, and possibly screening earlier for some women, could help detect these cancers sooner.” The study covered multiple facilities across western New York, tracking cases over 11 years. Each year, 145 to 195 young women were diagnosed. About 41% were found through routine screening, while most were detected after patients sought care for symptoms. The share of invasive cancers stayed steady throughout the decade, underscoring that younger women remain at consistent risk and early detection is key. The big picture These findings reflect a broader national pattern of breast cancer increasingly affecting younger women. While overall survival rates have improved over time, early detection remains essential, particularly for aggressive tumors that may develop before standard screening ages. Experts argue that a risk-based approach — considering personal and family history, genetics and breast density — could better identify those who would benefit from earlier evaluation. For now, physicians and patients should remain vigilant. Women experiencing breast changes or with elevated risk factors may need to advocate for earlier testing rather than assuming they are too young to be at risk. SUGGESTED STORIES What the study of a supercentenarian after her death can tell us about our lives A new study of a woman who lived to 117 may yield clues to healthy aging. Researchers studied blood, saliva, urine and stool samples from Maria Branyas Morera — a Spanish woman believed to be the world’s oldest until her death last year — and compared them to sample Read more Certain cancers on the rise in younger adults New data shows that certain cancers are increasing among younger Americans. The National Institutes of Health recently reported while the incidence rates of nine types of cancer rose among all ages, five more increased only among those under the age of 50. The cancers were: Read more Two companies control majority of dialysis market, study says Just two healthcare firms account for almost 80% of the market for dialysis treatments, which are a major source of spending across both the Medicare and Medicaid programs, according to a new study. A team of researchers led by Duke University studied ownership data for dialysis cli Read more
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