What to Know About Breast Cancer in Younger Women
- A study out of Canada has found that women 40 and under often wait weeks before getting care after experiencing breast cancer symptoms, such as tenderness, finding a lump or any other physical changes.
- A total of 1,148 women were included in the study conducted between 2015 and 2022 as part of the Reducing the Burden of Breast Cancer in Young Women (RUBY) project.
- Actress Olivia Munn is one of the latest names to have gone through breast cancer at a younger age, 42. Her story serves as a reminder that women experiencing any sort of changes in the breasts and/or with a family history of breast cancer should discuss screening with their doctors.
- Overall, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) says that women should now start getting mammograms every other year at the age of 40, suggesting that this lowered age for breast cancer screening could save 19% more lives.
1,148 women were included in the study conducted between 2015 and 2022 as part of the Reducing the Burden of Breast Cancer in Young Women (RUBY) project. HealthDay noted that 89% had a “concerning symptom,” with 77% actually having a “palpable” mass.
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Ahead of the 25th Annual American Society of Breast Surgeons Annual Meeting, where these results were presented, lead researcher Dr. Katherine Fleshner with the University of Calgary in Canada stated in a press briefing that these delays can be dangerous.
“Because young women typically do not undergo regular screening mammography and because the disease is rare in this population, patients are usually diagnosed at a later stage than older patients.”
“They may ignore or dismiss their concerns early on,” Dr. Fleshner added.
Breast Cancer at Age 42: Olivia Munn
Actress Olivia Munn has been one of the latest names to have gone through breast cancer at a young age. The X-Men: Apocalypse star announced her 10-month breast cancer journey in March, sharing that she was diagnosed early last year at age 42, just two months after receiving “normal” mammogram results.
Munn, now 43, wants to encourage other women to seek care.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” she wrote on Instagram alongside a series of images from the past year. “I hope by sharing this it will help others find comfort, inspiration and support on their own journey.”
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The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment she credits for catching her breast cancer is a “statistical model that allows healthcare professionals to calculate the probability of a woman developing breast cancer over the course of their lifetime,” Dr. Ruth Oratz, breast medical oncologist at NYU Langone Health’s Perlmutter Cancer Center, tells SurvivorNet.
Last February, she wanted to be proactive about her health and underwent genetic testing.
Genetic tests can be as simple as a simple saliva swab or blood sample. The results help your care team determine if you have a specific mutation that puts you at higher risk for cancer. The results help doctors tailor your treatment and are helpful for breast cancer patients.
“I tested negative for all (different cancer genes), including BRCA,” Munn shared.
The BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are among the most important genes to look for in breast cancer. Together, they are responsible for about half of all hereditary breast cancers. These genes prevent cells from dividing haphazardly and uncontrollably in a person without mutations. Mutations prevent these genes from doing their job and can allow unchecked growth of breast, ovarian, and other tissues.
However, two months after undergoing genetic testing, Munn was diagnosed with Luminal B breast cancer in both of her breasts. Luminal B tumors are of a higher grade and tend to have a worse prognosis.
This type of breast cancer is estrogen-positive (ER), meaning it is fueled by the hormone estrogen. It can also be progestogen (PR) negative, meaning it is not fueled by progestogen. This type of breast cancer also tends to have a higher expression of the Ki67 protein, making it grow quickly. Hormonal therapy and chemotherapy are often used to treat this type of cancer.
Understanding Your Breast Cancer Risk
The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment examined Munn’s age, family history with breast cancer when she first had a menstrual period, and her reproductive history to determine her risk of breast cancer.
Dr. Oratz says if the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment finds that a woman is at higher risk of getting breast cancer, she should expect further testing and screening. However, if a woman is positive for the BRCA gene mutation, a Breast Cancer Risk Assessment “is not really accurate.”
“Having information empowers patients. It is very important for people to be aware of the health risks, their family history, and their own personal medical conditions. All of these things can affect the risk of developing cancer,” Dr. Oratz tells SurvivorNet.
WATCH: Screening for Breast Cancer
“I’m lucky. We caught it with enough time, and I had options,” Munn explained. “I want the same for any woman who might have to face this one day. Ask your doctor to calculate your Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score. Dr. Aliabadi [Munn’s OBGYN] says that if the number is greater than 20%, you need annual mammograms and breast MRIs starting at age 30.”
Munn’s Breast Cancer Risk Assessment score was at 37%, which led to her undergoing an MRI, ultrasound, and a biopsy, which confirmed her breast cancer.
What to Know About Screening
The medical community has a consensus that women between 45 and 54 have annual mammograms. However, an independent panel of experts called the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is saying that women should start getting mammograms every other year at the age of 40, suggesting that this lowered the age for breast cancer screening could save 19% more lives.
For women aged 55 and older, the American Cancer Society recommends getting a mammogram every other year. However, women in this age group who want added reassurance can still get annual mammograms.
Women who have a strong family history of breast cancer, have dense breasts, have a genetic mutation known to increase the risk of breast cancer, such as a BRCA gene mutation, or a medical history, including chest radiation therapy before age 30, are considered at higher risk for breast cancer.
Understanding the BRCA Gene Mutation
Experiencing menstruation at an early age (before 12) or having dense breasts can also put you into a high-risk category. If you are at a higher risk for developing breast cancer, you should begin screening earlier.
Breast density is determined through mammograms. However, women with dense breasts are at a higher risk for developing breast cancer because dense breast tissue can mask potential cancer during screening. 3D mammograms, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, and molecular breast imaging are options for women with dense breasts for a more precise screening. It is important to ask your doctor about your breast density and cancer risk.
Contributing: SurvivorNet staff
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