Breast Cancer in Young Females Under 40: Why Do Women Get It?

24 Jan Breast Cancer in Young Females Under 40: Why Do Women Get It?

According to studies, the rate of breast cancer among young women is steadily going up as compared to the same in older women.

However, there are many differences between breast cancer in young women and older women:

• The symptoms might not be the same. For example, symptoms of breast cancer at 30 are more severe as compared to the symptoms in older age.
• The mortality rate among younger women is comparatively higher.
•  Initial diagnosis in younger women results in a more invasive form of cancer.

All of that etches out the importance of taking preventative measures against this fatal disease, especially for people who are already at risk of encountering it.

Why Do Young Females Get Breast Cancer – 8 Risk Factors

Though breast cancer under 40 is an uncommon medical condition, it is the most malignant form of tumor that can affect a young woman.

Earlier, the statistics of breast cancer among young women were as low as 1 in 173 people. But these days, the numbers have been rising.

According to a recent report released by the USA, 250,000 cases of breast cancer under 35 were recorded.

This number is alarming as breast cancer is mainly diagnosed in young women at advanced stages and is more life-threatening.

Also, there is a higher risk of recurrent breast cancer among such women.

This type of cancer has been found to follow a pattern where a certain group of people is at a higher risk of encountering it.

Some of the common breast cancer risk factors in young females include:

1. Family history of breast cancer cases
2. Exposure to high radiation
3. Early mentruation usually before the age of 12
4. High levels of anti-mullerian hormones
5. High prolactin levels
6. Excessive alcohol consumption
7. Use of birth control pills
8. Light exposure late into the night

In the next segment, all these factors are explained in full detail.

8 Risk Factors of Breast Cancer in Young Women

While some of the following risk factors are not under your control, some can easily be managed with lifestyle changes.

#1. Family History of Breast Cancer

Most of the cases of breast cancer in young women were reported from families with a genetic lineage of the disease.

On the off chance, if you get diagnosed with breast cancer at 45, or at a younger age, make sure you go for gene detection.

This will determine if cancer has been inherited and would help further in the treatment.

#2. Previous Exposure of Chest to High-Dose Radiation

Breast cancer originates from cells of the epithelium that line the milk-producing glands.

They also have a tissue called the stroma, which can be regulated to spread tumors.

When the amount of tumor-suppressing protein called the phosphatase and tensin homolog is low in the stroma, exposure to high radiation can induce tumor growth.

#3. Early Menstruation (Before 12)

Women who get their menstrual cycle before the age of 12 are at a higher risk of encountering breast cancer.

This is because of the long duration of estrogen exposure.

Hence, the earlier you start with your periods, the longer your breasts will get exposed to estrogen, increasing the risk of breast cancer.

Though nobody can control the onset of periods, lifestyle can have a deep influence on the onset of the cycle.

#4. Anti-Mullerian Hormone Levels

It is produced by the ovaries and regulates the development of reproductive organs.

Women who have higher levels of anti-mullerian hormone levels are at a higher risk of breast cancer as they regulate many reproductive functions.

For example, higher levels can delay menopause, increasing your exposure to estrogen.

#5. Prolactin Levels

Women with a higher percentage of prolactin can be at a higher risk of breast cancer as it plays a role in breast growth.

In fact, prolactin measures are also used in diagnosing breast cancer.

#6. Alcohol Consumption

According to reports, women who had 2 -3 drinks daily had 20% higher chances of getting breast cancer as compared to non-drinkers.

Alcohol has an impact on the metabolism of estrogen that increases its level to an abnormal number.

#7. Birth Control Pills

Women taking birth control pills have a higher risk of breast cancer because of hormonal imbalance.

These pills cause a surge of certain hormones in your body, which is not good for your health.

#8. Light Exposure At Night

There’s some evidence that women who work late at night have a small increased risk of breast cancer. This might be because of too much exposure to light.

However, we still need more research on this.

Apart from all these factors, one of the most talked-about risk factors of breast cancer is high breast density.

Breast Cancer and Breast Density

Dense breasts are usually noticed in women with more glandular tissue and less fat.

Though dense breasts are common and don’t have any particular symptom, women with dense breasts lie at more risk of breast cancer because:

• It becomes harder to diagnose breast cancer through mammograms.
• Breast cancer is diagnosed as white spots or masses on mammograms. On the other hand, dense breasts appear as white spots on the mammogram.
• Small spots of cancer hide behind these white masses of dense breasts that make it difficult to identify an abnormal growth.
• Apart from that, dense tissue is itself a risk of breast cancer, the more glandular tissue present in your breasts, the higher the chance of cancer. This is because more production of glandular cells raises the chances of mistakes during DNA replication.

The risk percentage of breast cancer varies with the type of breast density.

Scattered fibroglandular density < heterogeneously dense breasts < extremely dense breasts.

Although there are many risk factors associated with breast cancer, studies have found steadiness in the number of cases.

However, the number of advanced cases of breast cancer has been increasing among women these days, drawing our attention to the emergency of educating women about its medical severity.

Hence, here are a few studies that throw more light on why do young females get breast cancer, its spread, and aggressiveness.

Breast Cancer in Young Women – Studies and Evaluation

The study was aimed at evaluating important trends in the rate of breast cancer spread and its treatment among women suffering from breast cancer in the 30s.

It was a retrospective cohort study conducted for a time frame of 11 years, from January 2007 to April 2018.

Several measuring factors were considered like:

• Patient demographics
• Tumor characteristics
• Treatment results

All these results were then compared to evaluate the needs.

Results:

In total 197 women aged under 40 were newly diagnosed with breast cancer and were taken under consideration.

Out of this, it was found that:

• Invasive carcinoma was diagnosed in 91% of women in the time frame of 2013-2018, while just 78% were found to be diagnosed with the same in the time frame of 2007 to 2012.
• 24% of women were found to be suffering from an advanced stage in 2013-2018 while just 2% showed this stage in 2007-2012.
• No overall changes were noted in breast cancer early stages.

The study shows that the diagnosis of young women in earlier stages was going down as the screening was not done in time.

Further, it implies that women are not able to identify what they might be suffering from in the early stages.

Another Study on Young Women Breast Cancer Cases

The study was conducted to observe the difference between the mortality rate of breast cancer patients aged 40-79 and 20-39 years.

It was done with the help of observations made by the US survey.

Researchers considered:

• Female breast cancer mortality rates from NCHS for all races.
• Age and delay adjust invasive cancer rates from several studies and observations.

Joint analysis was made to evaluate:

• Breast cancer mortality
• Invasive breast cancer cases
• Metastatic breast cancer cases

Results:

The results showed that the mortality rate among young women under 40 suffering from breast cancer has stopped declining.

However, these rates among older women continue to decline in recent years.

This is mainly because of the rising cases of metastatic cancer among young women!

We also have many facts and statistics that highlight the same rise in cases.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer In Young Women

The symptoms of breast cancer are not the same for every age group. 

Breast cancer in your 20s symptoms can be different from an older lady already diagnosed with the condition.

Hence, instead of looking for symptoms that match a cancer survivor, look for the following common signs:

• Change in the look or feel of your breasts
• Nipple discharge
• Difference in the appearance of the nipples

Apart from these three major warning signs, some common symptoms that you must look for include:

#1. Lumpiness in Breasts

Breasts have a bumpy texture in healthy women, but if your breasts appear to be lumpy, you might have a concern here.

Though in most cases lumpiness is not a major issue, lumps that are way too hard from the rest of the breast area are usually a sign of breast cancer.

Perhaps, benign lumps are also common in women and have a texture the same as the breast. But don’t confuse your second lump with the same.

#2. Nipple Discharge

Nipple discharges are rarely a sign of breast cancer. It can be a natural reaction to a gentle squeeze.

But the signs of nipple discharge that indicate an abnormality are:

• Leakage without squeezing
• Leakage only in one breast
• Bloody or clear discharge

Since nipple discharge can also indicate infections, it is best to consult a doctor immediately.

Other Common Signs of Breast Cancer in Young Females

• Hard knot formation inside the breast or underarms
• Swelling, darkness, or redness around breasts
• Change in shape or size of breasts
• Puckering of skin around breasts
• Itchy skin of the nipple
• Pain in a particular area around the breasts

The next step after confirming any of the above signs or symptoms is to immediately visit a doctor for a diagnosis.

Diagnosis of Breast Cancer 

The doctor first checks for the symptoms of breast cancer. Once they are confirmed about the symptoms like lumps and knots, they go ahead with the screening.

Screening involves imaging tests like:

• Mammograms – It is an x-ray that detects any abnormalities of the breasts. Breast cancer appears as a white spot in these x-rays.
• Ultrasound of breasts – Once the results of mammograms are abnormal, ultrasound is conducted to examine any fluid present in the lump. This decides if it’s a solid or cystic lump.
• Biopsy – A tissue collected from the suspicious area is studied.
• Magnetic resonance imaging – Here, radio frequencies and magnets are used to identify cancer, but you are not exposed to radiation.
• Ductogram – It is used when you have a nipple discharge.

According to experts, breast exams should be done every three years for women aged 20 and above and every two years for women between 50–75.

You must consult your doctor about the exact time when you should start your mammogram. For younger women, usually, digital mammograms are used.

Even if the diagnosis confirms cancer, there are many treatments that can be done.

Treatment of Breast Cancer 

The treatment is decided based on the type and the severity of the breast cancer.

#1. Surgery

Surgery is done to remove smaller tumors and examine any nearby lumps.

The different types of surgeries performed are:

• Lumpectomy – It removes some of the cancer-free margins around the tumor while the rest of the breast tissue stays preserved.
• Mastectomy – This is the surgical removal of the entire breast. There are many types of mastectomy. Hence, talk to your doctor about the different types.

#2. Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses x-rays to destroy cancer cells. Different types of this therapy include:

• External-beam radiation therapy – It uses a machine external to your body and the therapy can go on for weeks.
• Intraoperative therapy – A probe is used to do the therapy.
• Brachytherapy – Radioactive sources are inserted into the tumor.

#3. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to dissolve the tumor and mainly inhibits its growth and spread.

It is either given before surgery to break down a larger tumor or post the surgery to reduce its recurrence.

Usually, the treatment combines drugs in specific cycles over a time period.

#4. Hormonal Therapy

The tumors formed due to long exposures to estrogen are treated with hormonal therapy. It helps block the hormones that are fuelling the tumor.

Other treatments:

• Targeted therapy – Targets cancer-specific genes, proteins, and blocks the growth of tumors.
• Immunotherapy – It boosts the body’s natural defense to fight cancer.

Though surgeries are an effective way of treating cancer, there are still some complications you should know about.

Complications of Breast Cancer

Treatment of breast cancer can lead to adverse effects and complications. It depends on what treatment you have been given.

Complications of Chemotherapy

Since it attacks dividing cells, some of the healthy cells like skin cells and digestive cells also lie at risk of getting attacked.

Some of the common adverse effects include:

• Hair loss
• Infection
• Fatigue
• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Apnea

Chemotherapy in premenopausal can also damage the ovaries inhibiting the release of hormones. This can affect fertility.

Complications of Radiation therapy

This treatment can have more adverse effects as compared to chemotherapy. Though at first, these side effects look manageable, in the long term, they can take a severe form.

Serious complications can occur like:

• Inflamed lungs
• Heart damage
• Secondary cancer

Complications of Hormone Therapy

Since it lowers estrogen, the treatment can cause osteoporosis in women. It can also cause many other sexual problems like vaginal dryness and irritation.

Apart from all these, one of the most concerning complications of breast cancer in young women is the effect on fertility.

How Does Breast Cancer Affect Fertility?

Chemotherapy can have damaging effects on the ovaries resulting in an imbalance of hormones.

This affects fertility by either causing irregular periods or causing complete stoppage of periods.

In fact, early menopause with chemotherapy is a common adverse effect. But a certain combination of these drugs has a lower risk of causing a permanent halt in periods.

Tamoxifen is another treatment used for treating breast cancer. But its usage for breast cancer in your 20s can too result in irregular periods. 

However, this is usually temporary, and periods return post the treatment.

Since tamoxifen can cause birth defects, it’s advisable not to conceive during the treatment.

Despite the adverse effects of cancer treatment on fertility, you can still preserve it and have children differently by:

• Preserving eggs
• Taking drugs that protect your ovaries before treatment

Though cancer is treatable, it is best to be preventive. Hence, the following section presents some of the best preventive measures for breast cancer.

How to Prevent Breast Cancer Risk at a Young Age?

lifestyle changes are the best preventive measures for any type of cancer.

Hence, bringing on the following changes in your daily routine can help prevent breast cancer even in women who are at risk of it:

#1. Avoiding Alcohol

According to researchers, alcoholism can put women at a higher risk of cancer.

However, health experts suggest that limiting alcohol to just one drink a day can be done to avoid excess consumption.

#2. Managing Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is important to keep out disease. Balancing the calorie intake and outtake can help you prevent obesity.

This can further prevent breast cancer as complications of obesity include breast density, which is a precursor of breast cancer.

#3. Diet

Eating processed foods is among the risk factors of breast cancer for young women. Thus, instead of such fatty foods go for veggies and fruits.

This can also keep a check on alcoholism.

#4. Avoiding Birth Control Pills below the Age of 35

Birth control pills bring an imbalance in your estrogen levels. They exceed their levels, increasing the risk of breast cancer.

Avoiding such pills can reduce hormonal imbalances and prevent excess exposure to estrogen.

#5. No Smoking

Smoking can release harmful chemicals in your body that trigger the activation of carcinogens.

These carcinogens can form tumors and further spread breast cancer.

FAQs

#1. Can a woman in her 20s get breast cancer?

Breast cancer in your 20s is not a common scenario.

Yet, according to reports, recent years have seen a steady increase in the risk of breast cancer being diagnosed in young women.

Since routine screening is not suggested for young women aged 20-30, it might be difficult for diagnosing cancer at an early stage. But analyzing personal risk factors and symptoms can be helpful.

#2. What is the average age a woman gets breast cancer?

There is an increase in the risk of breast cancer by age. 

It mostly affects women over the age of 50. In fact, according to reports, breast cancer is often diagnosed among women between 55 and 64.

#3. Does breast cancer grow slower in the elderly?

Since the elderly are mostly diagnosed with hormonal imbalance-induced cancers, they tend to be slow-proliferative.

This means that the spread is slow and hormonal therapy is used to treat the condition. These tumors are mainly indolent.

#4. At what age is most breast cancer diagnosed?

People aging 55-64 are highly vulnerable to breast cancer, as most of the reports suggest cancer diagnosis in this range.

#5. How long can a woman live with untreated breast cancer?

Breast cancer when left untreated can become fatal.

 According to a study that considered 250 women to evaluate the survival rate in untreated breast cancer, it was found that:

•  The median survival time was 2.7 years
• 10-year survival rate was found in 3.6% of the participants
• 5-year survival was observed in 18.4% of the participants

#6. Is breast cancer more common in the left breast?

Yes, it affects mostly the left breast. The left breast has 5 to 10% more chances of being affected.

Final Note

Younger women have dense breasts, which makes the diagnosis complex.

This has accounted for several cases of advanced stages of breast cancer in younger women, taking the mortality rate upwards.

Though medical science has introduced many treatments for breast cancer, we fall behind in controlling its adverse effects.

Sometimes, these treatments fail to treat cancer leading to fatality.

However, we can prevent the risk by a large margin by analyzing the symptoms and the risk factors of the disease.

To know more about how you can fight breast cancer, go for regular check-ups and take all the preventative lifestyle measures. 

If you’ve any more queries, please drop them in the comments section.