Breast Cancer Diagnosis Age Is Dropping: What You Should Know

A national study published recently in the Annals of Internal Medicine revealed that more than one-third of women eligible to begin breast cancer screening mammograms at age 40, prefer to wait until age 50. It’s a surprising finding considering that the incidence of breast cancer among women under age 50 has risen by 1.4 percent every year since 2012.

Angelina S. The, M.D., medical oncologist at Lynn Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health Cancer Care.

In certain groups, such as Asian American/Pacific Island women, the numbers are even higher. Newer guidelines by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommend that women at average risk for breast cancer start screening at age 40 and continue through age 74.

That many women delay screening is concerning to experts at the Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, part of Baptist Health. Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death, behind lung cancer. Nearly 370,000 new cases are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. this year, according to the American Cancer Society. 

“It’s critically important for a woman to understand what her personal risk for breast cancer is,” says Angelina The, M.D., a medical oncologist with Lynn Cancer Institute. “At age 40, if you are at average risk, you should begin screenings. But if you are at high-risk, you may start screening and monitoring through a high-risk clinic at a much younger age — even in your 20s or 30s.”

Dr. The says that you can lower your risk for breast cancer by living a healthy lifestyle, which includes:

• Eating a healthy diet such as the Mediterranean diet
• Exercising at least 30 minutes five days a week
• Not smoking or vaping
• Consuming alcohol in moderation
• Getting adequate sleep
• Reducing and managing stress

When breast cancer is caught in its earliest stages, there is a better chance of a cure. Doctors recommend performing monthly breast self-exams, beginning in your early 20s, so that you are familiar with your breasts and will note any changes.

Among the signs and symptoms that should be brought to the attention of your gynecologist or primary care physician are:

• A palpable lump
• A change in the skin color of the breast
• Swelling of the breast or any contour change
• Nipple change or discharge
• Enlarged lymph nodes around the breast, armpit area or above the clavicle

You should also gather your family history of cancer from both your mother and father. Genetic mutations shown to increase breast cancer risk include ATM, BARD1, BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, PALB2, RAD51C, RAD51D, CDH1, TP53, NF1 and STK11. These mutations do not only affect women. More is being learned about genetic mutations and a consultation with a genetic counselor may be in order. Ask your gynecologist or primary care physician.

Women with breast implants should note that it may be slightly more difficult to detect suspicious areas on a mammogram. “Both silicone and saline implants have the potential to obscure the visualization of tissue around the implant,” Dr. The says. “Sometimes we need additional imaging to better evaluate those patients.”

Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and your need for an annual mammogram or other diagnostic testing. Baptist Health offers screening mammograms at convenient locations throughout South Florida.