Challenges of Young Women with Breast Cancer (Breast Cancer in women under 40)

Key Takeaways:

• Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.
• The global trend shows that there is an increase in cases related to younger women getting affected by breast cancer.
• Lifestyle factors, delayed motherhood, genetic & family history are the known causes leading to an increase in breast cancer in young women.
• Younger women often get diagnosed with more aggressive forms of breast cancer. 

Introduction

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in India, accounting for 28.2% of all female cancers (according to a publication in the Times of India). Additionally, the risk of breast cancer is rising in India; 1 in 28 women is likely to develop breast cancer during their lifetime. Breast cancer also affects men; according to the WHO, approximately 0.5 – 1% of breast cancers occur in men.

The condition results when breast cells mutate, become cancerous, and multiply to form a tumour. Breast cancer usually affects women aged over 50; however, it can affect women younger than 50. Breast cancers are of different types and are characterized basis where they start, i.e. invasive ductal carcinoma (starts in the milk ducts), lobular breast cancer (starts in the milk producing glands), ductal carcinoma (starts in the milk ducts), inflammatory breast cancer, triple negative breast cancer, and Paget’s disease of the breast. 

Statistics and Rising Incidence Rates

Breast cancer has long been thought to affect older women, but recent statistics tell a different story. The rate of breast cancer in women under 50 has been climbing at a quicker pace – around 1.4 per cent each year from 2012 to 2022 – compared to a 1 per cent annual increase in women over 50.

Did you know? Studies suggest that breast cancer in young women is more likely to be the aggressive type. 

According to breast surgeons at the CK Birla Hospital, the increasing number of breast cancer cases can be associated with several factors, including an inactive lifestyle, obesity (effect of obesity on health), alcohol consumption, a family history of cancer, radiation exposure, tobacco use, and postmenopausal hormone therapy. This early onset of breast cancer has been increasing for some years now. A study conducted by AIIMS Delhi revealed that 30% of breast cancer cases detected in women were under 40. Some of the top contributors to this rising number include:

• Lifestyle Changes: Several lifestyle factors, including a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, high body fat, and alcohol consumption, are all known factors that increase the risk of breast cancer. 
• Delayed Motherhood: Delayed pregnancy or no pregnancy also increases the risk of breast cancer in younger women. Women who have their first child after 30 or who do not have children at all have a higher risk. Additionally, the absence of breastfeeding raises the risk. 
• Genetic & Family History: Genetic mutations, including BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations, significantly increase breast cancer risk at a young age. Also, a family history of ovarian cancer increases the risk by 2-3 times. 

Also Read: When to worry about breast lump

Challenges Faced by Young Women with Breast Cancer

The primary challenge faced by young women diagnosed with breast cancer is linked to the type of breast cancer, i.e., the aggressive nature of breast cancer that can be challenging to treat.

The types of breast cancer that often affect young women are HER2-positive, triple-negative breast cancer, and invasive ductal carcinoma. The treatment of these aggressive forms of breast cancer may require a greater level of chemotherapy (how chemotherapy works against cancer) and targeted therapy. Some of the major challenges faced by young women with breast cancer include:

• Fertility & Family Planning Challenge: Getting diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age may increase the risk of infertility due to treatment, which involves chemotherapy and targeted therapy, which may damage reproductive ability. 
• Emotional or Psychological Challenge: Breast cancer in young women can be mentally devastating, given the impact of treatments, i.e. hair loss (hair loss treatment), mastectomy, and other bodily changes, which can take an emotional toll. 
• Breast Reconstruction Challenge: Breast cancer at a young age can also be a major challenge, emotionally, medically, and financially. Emotional readiness also plays a big role – not every woman feels comfortable with implants or another surgery right after cancer. Also, most patients aren’t informed about reconstruction choices.

Also Read: Breast Lump – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & How to identify it

Lifestyle and Self-Care Tips During Treatment

The treatment plan is designed based on the conversation between you and your healthcare provider. The treatment plan is designed based on the type of breast cancer, its stage, and the desire to build a family. There are several factors to consider during treatment, including:

• Check About Breast Conservation Surgery: Not all breast cancer treatment require a full mastectomy. Ask your doctor about breast conservation surgery, which helps preserve the surrounding breast tissues and the natural shape of the breast. 
• Discuss the Condition with a Fertility Expert: Some cancer treatments can affect fertility; therefore, talk to a fertility specialist before starting chemotherapy or radiation. Also, explore and check your eligibility for egg/embryo freezing or other preservation methods.
• Focus of Nutrition: Eat a well-balanced diet to manage nausea and weakness, and the impact of treatment on the body. Consider consulting a clinical dietitian for a personalised plan during treatment. 
• Support Your Mental Health: Use meditation, journaling, or talk therapy to manage emotional ups and downs. Join a support group or speak to a psycho-oncologist if needed.

Read More: Symptoms of Pregnancy after Sex

FAQs

Why is breast cancer affecting young women?

The increasing cases of breast cancer in younger women are associated with a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, increased alcohol consumption, hormonal factors, lack of awareness, and more. 

At what age is breast cancer most commonly diagnosed?

Breast cancer most commonly affects women aged over 50; however, the cases of breast cancer are increasing in younger women.