If you are diagnosed with breast cancer — and are younger than age 40 — you are not alone.
While breast cancer usually occurs in older women and after menopause, an estimated 1 in 50 are diagnosed before age 40. Breast cancer in younger women is more likely to be an aggressive subtype and/or related to an inherited genetic mutation. In addition, as a young adult (ages 18-39), your cancer can impact you in physical, emotional, social and practical ways that are different from older patients.
Your diagnosis means that you need comprehensive cancer care from experts who treat cancers like yours — in patients like you — every day. We can help.
Treating breast cancer in young adults
We understand that facing cancer at a younger age poses challenges for you and your family that are not experienced by older adults. Your treatment plan will be personalized specifically for you and your cancer, integrating critical support services into your comprehensive care. At Roswell Park, our experts provide:
- Streamlined, multispecialty care with our team of surgical, medical and radiation oncologists and other experts who focus exclusively on breast cancer. Having these providers all under one roof ensures optimized and expedited cancer care.
- Genetic testing to determine if your cancer is related to an inherited genetic syndrome and offer guidance to your family members.
- Fertility preservation consultation before you begin treatment to learn and initiate your options if you choose.
- Sexual health clinic to address side effects of your treatment that may affect intimacy.
- Young Adult Cancer Program that includes mental health support, financial guidance, social and networking events and more, specifically for patients in their 20s and 30s.
- Survivorship Program to help you face forward after cancer and aim for your highest level of lifelong wellness.
- Breast cancer support group for patients under the age of 50, designed to find connection and understanding between patients going through similar challenges.
Young Adults with cancer
Facing a diagnosis of cancer in your 20s or 30s? This means that you and your cancer need a level of care that can only be provided by a comprehensive cancer center.
Am I at higher risk for breast cancer?
For years, the medical guidance on breast cancer has been geared toward women in their 40s and older, with recommendations for women to start getting regular screening mammograms at age 40 unless they are considered at high risk for developing the disease. You may be at increased risk breast cancer if you have one or more of the following risk factors:
- a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, especially in a first-degree relative (parent, sibling)
- a family member diagnosed with breast cancer younger than age 50
- a known genetic mutation in their family, including BRCA1 and BRCA2
- a history of radiation treatment to the chest for a prior cancer
Other minor risk factors include starting menstruation at a young age, a personal history of benign breast disease, being overweight or sedentary, drinking alcohol, and having dense breast tissue (which may make it more difficult to find early evidence of disease).
It’s important to see your primary care physician regularly and update your family history. Any new cancer diagnoses in the family (especially breast or ovarian cancer) can impact your risk and alter the screening recommendations for you.