“Breast cancer? I don’t need to worry about that right now. I’m too young.”
If you’re in your 20s, 30s or even 40s, this might be your thought process. You might think, “I don’t need to worry about breast cancer right now. That’s for later, when I’m older.”
Unfortunately, you’d be wrong. Breast cancer can happen at any age. In fact, new breast cancer cases among women under 50 are rising at a higher rate compared to women who are 50 and older. So, even if you are young, you need to pay attention.
The good news is, because of research, we know a lot more about breast cancer than we ever have before, and you can do something about it. You can learn more about your body, your health and your risk of developing breast cancer. Knowledge is a powerful tool for taking charge of your health.
So, where should you start?
Know Your Family History
Talk to your family. Ask your mom, dad, aunt or grandmother if there is a family history of breast or other cancers. These answers can provide valuable information about your breast cancer risk. The Family Health History Tool on Komen.org makes it easy for you to gather, record and share your family’s health information with other family members and your doctor in one easily accessible place.
While family history is a great place to start, it’s by no means a stopping point. Why? Because most people diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease.
That’s right.
Breast cancer can affect anyone, not just those with a family history. Everyone is at risk of breast cancer, but some of us have a higher risk.
Inherited gene mutations like BRCA1/2 raise the risk of breast cancer. And while it’s helpful to know if you have those mutations, again, they’re just one small piece of the puzzle.
So, what else should you do?
Know Other Risk Factors
There are many factors linked to breast cancer risk, including lifestyle factors like drinking alcohol and exercising, your weight and your breast density, just to name a few. Fortunately, knowing your risk factors can help you and your doctor determine your personal risk for breast cancer. Risk assessment tools can also help you and your doctor determine your personal risk of breast cancer. You may find out you are at average risk, which could alleviate some stress. Or, if your risk is elevated, you and your doctor can discuss next steps.
While we’re on the topic of your doctors, they’re not just there for flu shots, sore throats or broken bones. They can also help you decide when to start breast cancer screening – because screening helps detect breast cancer early, and early detection means more treatment options and higher rates of survival.
Real Talk: Advocate for Yourself
So, what if you notice something about your breast or underarm area that looks or feels different?
Sometimes young women feel they aren’t heard or their concerns are dismissed by their doctors or their family. But you know your body better than anyone else does.
If you feel like something is off, speak up. Ask lots of questions. Be persistent. Make your doctor listen. Don’t hesitate to ask for tests. You may even decide that you want to get a second opinion.
Your voice matters. You matter. If you need to talk to someone about your breast health and no one listening, you can always reach out to Komen’s Patient Care Center.
Finally, just remember, you’re not too young. You’re not being dramatic — you’re being proactive. You are advocating for yourself and your health!
Breast cancer isn’t something to think about later. It’s a conversation that matters right now. So, speak up! Talk to your family. Talk to your doctor. Learn more about your risk. Make choices that are right for you. Own your power and take control of your health.
Learn more at Komen.org.
Are you a college student looking to spread awareness about breast cancer risk? Empowered is a digital go-to guide for college students designed to share need-to-know information about breast health and breast cancer risk. Students can navigate through Komen resources that will help them stay on top of the breast health game. Click here to download this free resource.
