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Currently in India, breast cancer in women below the age of 40 years constitutes almost 10-12% of the total breast cancer cases, which is a significant increase from previous decades.
Regular medical exams and a more proactive approach to wellness and “breast awareness” can help avoid missed opportunities for early diagnosis
Breast cancer among young women, especially in India, has shown a steady increase over the years. Currently, breast cancer in women under 40 years of age constitutes almost 10-12% of total breast cancer cases, which is a significant increase compared to previous decades. Therefore, we must keep up with these changing trends and review our screening programs for early detection.
Today, treatment options are much more advanced than in previous decades and focus on saving the breasts and improving the prognosis. However, even today, the most important factor in determining prognosis is the stage at which the cancer is detected. Therefore, we must first accept the fact that our 20-year-olds could also have cancer. Not all lumps in the 20s are fibroadenomas. We have seen cases where girls tell their mothers about the lumps, but the mothers, out of ignorance or denial, rule out the possibility of cancer. Later, these girls return with a worse prognosis. Dr Namrata Singal Sawant, Director and Senior Consultant Radiologist, Breast and Women Imaging, Vcare Imaging Diagnostic Center, Mumbai, shares everything you need to know.
Another important point is the presence of the notorious cancer commonly found in young women, known as “triple negative breast cancer.” This cancer is difficult to differentiate from common fibroadenomas or other tumors, such as Phyllodes, even using imaging methods. These young women are investigated with great suspicion by experts, there is a high risk of losing the diagnosis. What's worse is that this cancer grows extremely fast compared to other types, making early detection crucial.
The key factors contributing to this growing trend are:
- Genetic factors: Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes play an important role in juvenile breast cancer. Testing for these genes is important at a young age, especially if there is a family history of breast cancer.
- Lifestyle changes: Sedentary lifestyles, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and increased stress levels are also known to contribute to this trend.
- Reproductive factors: Late pregnancies, reduced breastfeeding and use of hormonal contraceptives.
Screening recommendations They play an important role in early diagnosis and prognosis:
- Regular monthly breast self-examinations.
- Annual clinical breast exams performed by doctors starting at age 25.
- Initial mammogram or breast MRI for high-risk people, such as those with BRCA gene mutations or a positive family history. Screening for these people can begin a decade before the age their family members were diagnosed.
Given these changing trends, we must take proactive steps to protect our young women by updating our screening protocols and treatment options. The first step is to accept the increasing incidence of breast cancer in young women.
