Breast Cancer And Women Under 40
Posted on August 6, 2008
Filed Under Health, Women | Comments Off on Breast Cancer And Women Under 40
Youth isn’t a guaranteed protection against breast cancer. Not long ago, a 32 year old friend was diagnosed with breast cancer and subsequently passed away after undergoing a double mastectomy and major treatment. Last week, many Americans learned that TV actress Christina Applegate, who is 36, is undergoing treatment for early, non-life-threatening breast cancer.
Local cancer doctors emphasize that breast cancer is far more common among older women, but among women under age 40 it can be a more deadly disease, since the cancer is usually aggressive and detected at later stages.
More than 250,000 under age 40 are living with breast cancer, and more than 11,000 are expected to be diagnosed this year, according to national statistics.
While U.S. breast cancer survival rates have improved among middle-age and older adults, among women under age 40 the rate hasn’t risen substantially in more than 20 years, research shows.
Younger breast cancer patients also face challenges with diagnosis and treatment, advocates say.
Invasive cancer tends to be more aggressive in younger women, which makes early diagnosis critical. But the standard screening tool — mammography — is less reliable in women under age 40, who typically have denser breasts.
Recent studies have shown that MRI appears to be more sensitive than mammography in detecting tumors in women with an inherited susceptibility to breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends using it for women with at least a family history of the disease. For the average woman, though, MRI is not recommended. The screening method is ultra-sensitive and can detect benign changes that lead to unnecessary biopsies, local doctors said.
Ladies, please be diligent about self examining your breast. This can be a life saver! Click to view 5 steps of Breast Self Exam.
