Fewer than 5 percent of breast cancers diagnosed in the U.S. occur in women under 40. Breast cancers in young women are more likely to be fast-growing and may be detected at a later stage. Young women with breast cancer face challenges including side effects of treatment that impact not only fertility but also sexuality and intimacy. Young women may also feel a sense of isolation from their peers.

Black women younger than 40 have higher rates of breast cancer than white women, even though white women have higher rates of breast cancer overall. The reasons for increased risk among young Black women remain unclear. But they may be due, in part, to differences in known risk factors that vary by race and ethnicity and differences in tumor biology.

Overall, Hispanic and Latina women in the U.S. have a relatively low incidence of breast cancer. However, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Hispanic women. The 5-year relative survival rate is slightly lower for Hispanic women than for non-Hispanic white women.

Hispanic women are often diagnosed at a later stage with more advanced cancer than white women. Lack of access to health care and language barriers have been thought to contribute to late-stage diagnosis.

Asian and Pacific Islander women as a group have a lower incidence of breast cancer than non-Hispanic white women and non-Hispanic black women. However, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Asian American women and the incidence of breast cancer is rising.

The incidence of breast cancer among Asian American women increased by about 1 1/2 percent a year from 2015-2019.

American Indian and Alaska native women tend to have lower rates of breast cancer and breast cancer mortality than white women or Black women. However, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American Indian and Alaska Native women and is the second leading cause of cancer death.

Lesbians and bisexual women tend to have a higher risk of breast cancer than other women. This isn’t due to their sexual orientation but rather studies have shown this is related to risk factors of breast cancer that may be more common among lesbians, such as not having children or having them later in life, obesity and alcohol use.

Screening mammography rates among lesbians and bisexual women are now similar to screening mammography rates among heterosexual women.

Breast cancer in men is rare, but it does happen. More than 2,700 cases are diagnosed in men in the U.S. each year and more than 500 men will die each year from breast cancer. Men should be aware of the risk factors and warning signs for breast cancer and report any signs or symptoms to their health care provider.