Breast cancer in younger women: trends, risks and prevention
The statistics on breast cancer are always alarming. The rise of incidence rates (the frequency new cases occur) in women under 50 is of particular concern. In this age group, the breast cancer incidence rate rose 1.4 percent each year between 2012 and 2022. In women over 50, this rate rose just 1 percent each year.
There are many reasons advanced cancer diagnosis in younger women is increasing.
Women who are younger when diagnosed are more likely to have aggressive forms of breast cancer.
Some have inherited BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, which are common in women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.
Younger women are more likely to develop aggressive cancer such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which more often affects Black women. Its hormone resistance affects the types of treatments available.
Because routine breast cancer screening usually starts at age 40, younger women may be diagnosed at a more advanced stage, making it harder to treat.
Understanding your risk factors
It’s important to be as educated as possible when it comes to breast cancer and your risks. Knowing your personal history, along you’re your family history1 is a great place to start. Ask your family members the hard questions. It’s not the time to be discreet when your life could depend on it.
Women may be at higher risk for breast cancer if they
- Had their first menstrual period before age 12
- had their first pregnancy over age 30 or have not had children.
- If one or more family members:
- have been diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50
- had cancer in both breasts
- had male breast cancer
- had ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer that spread (metastatic)
Things you can do:
- Learn how to do a breast self-exam. Get to know your body and what’s normal for you. Let your health care provider know right away if there are any changes.
- Advocate for yourself. Talk to your healthcare provider about timing for a baseline mammogram, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound or other screening options and what intervals are appropriate for you.
- Know where you stand. Access the Tyrer-Cuzick risk assessment calculator, available for free. Discuss your score with your healthcare provider.
- Get to and stay at a healthy weight. Talk to your healthcare provider about what’s right for you.
- Be physically active. At least 30 minutes of moderate activity, five times per week is recommended.
- Eat healthy food. Nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains are best. Limit processed foods and avoid sweetened beverages.
- Make healthy choices. Avoid or limit alcohol. Don’t smoke or use tobacco.
- Get regular physicals. Make sure clinical breast exams are included.
Knowing your risks, increasing healthy behaviors and advocating for your care sets you up for the best possible outcomes.
Sources
Before starting any new exercise routine, talk to your healthcare provider to make sure it’s safe.
- Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Breast cancer in young women. Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Accessed August 11, 2026.
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Breast cancer rates increasing among younger women. Washington University School of Medicine. Accessed August 11, 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Managing risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. CDC. Accessed August 11, 2026.
- MagView. IBIS breast cancer risk calculator. MagView. Accessed August 11, 2026.
- Susan G. Komen®. Young women and breast cancer. Susan G. Komen®. Accessed August 11, 2026.
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