Susan G. Komen is the leading non-profit breast cancer organization. They recently responded to recently released data showing that the percentage of women developing breast cancer is growing, especially in women under 40. Most women don’t start screening for breast cancer until they turn 40, so even a small increase in these statistics isn’t good news. The latest statistics from the American Cancer Society show a 1% increase in breast cancer diagnoses over a one-year period. There was a 1.4% increase in the development of breast cancer in women under 50 years of age and a 0.7% increase in women over 50 years of age.
This increase in breast cancer in younger women is not the direction we want to go. There are fewer steps in place for younger women to get tested for and detect breast cancer. This means that they have less knowledge about the subject and do not know what symptoms to look out for. This means that cancer is discovered later, that the cancer develops at a later stage and that the cancer is less treatable.
Anyone can get breast cancer, but there are many genetic and locational factors that increase the chance of developing breast cancer, such as race, family history, inherited genetic mutations, lifestyle and socioeconomic status. None of these statistics are women’s fault, and they are all due to factors beyond their control.
Komen reiterates that there are a number of free breast cancer prediction tools available to the general public, such as the Gail test of the Tyrer-Cuzick model. These tests work like a medical calculator that uses a woman’s personal, medical, reproductive, and family history to predict her chances of developing breast cancer at certain ages.
If you are concerned about breast cancer or your risk of developing breast cancer, consult a doctor. Komen insists on talking to your doctor about breast cancer, no matter how old you are. This way you will stay well informed and look out for all the warning signs of breast cancer, no matter how abnormal. Komen says the average woman should start being scanned for breast cancer in her 40s, but this doesn’t take into account those who are at higher risk at a younger age.
Victoria Wolodzko Smart, senior vice president of Mission at Susan G. Komen, said, “Even though the average age of breast cancer diagnosis is 62, breast cancer affects people of all ages. We need to change the conversation around early detection so that we do more to find the young women who are at higher risk and ensure they get the care they need without financial barriers.”
“Many people face barriers to accessing and paying for the medical care they need, and Komen is committed to working with state and federal policymakers to reduce financial and insurance barriers to screening, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer,” Smart added. “We can save more lives from this disease if breast cancer is detected early and treatment can begin right away. Insurance coverage should not determine who lives and who doesn’t.” If you or someone you know is struggling with the cancer screening and treatment system, call Komen’s toll-free Breast Cancer Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN to speak with a patient navigator and representative who will be happy to help you.