Young Women Get Breast Cancer Too

Real Talk: Young Women Get Breast Cancer Too

Real talk, Breast cancer in young women — breast cancer doesn’t care how old you are, how fit you are, or how “healthy” your lifestyle seems. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and while most people picture older women when they hear the words “breast cancer,” the truth is, young women can and do get breast cancer and it’s happening more often than you think.

According to the CDC, more than 250,000 women under the age of 40 in the U.S. are living with breast cancer right now. That’s a quarter of a million young women, daughters, sisters, mothers, and friends living with a disease many thought wouldn’t touch them until much later in life. “Breast cancer in young women“

It’s Happening More Often and It’s More Aggressive

Here’s something that might surprise you and honestly, it should. Research shows that cases of advanced or metastatic breast cancer among women ages 25 to 39 have sharply increased since the late 1970s, nearly doubling in incidence from 1.53 to 2.90 per 100,000 between 1976 and 2009, according to a landmark JAMA study. These are young women just starting careers, building families, and living their lives suddenly faced with a diagnosis that changes everything.

And the story doesn’t stop there. New research continues to show an alarming upward trend. A 2025 study published in JAMA Network Open found that breast cancer in young women ages 20 to 49 are still rising, with an average 0.79% yearly increase in invasive breast cancer cases from 2000 to 2019. Both early-stage (stage I) and late-stage (stage IV) diagnoses are going up meaning more young women are being diagnosed, and some are facing aggressive disease right out of the gate.

The CDC reports that in 2022, more than 27,000 women under 45 were diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S., and cases among younger women are climbing at about 0.7% per year. Researchers also note that these cancers are often more aggressive, particularly among non-Hispanic white and African American women, and that estrogen receptor–positive cancers which require specific, long-term treatments are becoming more common in this age group.

So the big question is, should we be talking about screening before 40?
Honestly, yes. Because early detection can change everything and for some women, it can mean the difference between treatment and survival.

Let’s Talk About Mammograms

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammograms starting at age 40 for women at average risk. But breast cancer doesn’t always follow the rules, and your body doesn’t read medical guidelines.

If something feels off if you notice changes, pain, or something that just doesn’t seem right speak up. Ask your doctor about getting checked sooner. Some clinics will perform ultrasounds or mammograms on younger women if there’s a reason for concern or if you have dense breast tissue.

If you want more information on early detection, visit the American Cancer Society for screening guidelines and what to expect.

Know Your Family History (or Go Find It)

Family history matters but a lot of people don’t know theirs. Maybe your family didn’t talk about health, or you’ve lost touch with older relatives. That doesn’t mean you can’t find out.

You can research your family medical background using websites like GenealogyBank.com or FamilySearch.org to see if breast cancer appears in your family line. Sometimes death certificates or archives can tell you things your relatives couldn’t. Knowing your history could literally save your life.

Listen to Your Body

Your body will always tell you when something’s wrong — you just have to listen.
Even if you have no family history, be aware of signs like:

• A lump or thickening in your breast
• Changes in shape or size
• Unexplained pain
• Skin dimpling or nipple discharge

If something doesn’t feel right, get it checked. You know your body better than anyone else. Need a quick guide? Visit BreastCancer.org to learn what to look for and when to call your doctor.

The Bottom Line

Young women are not immune to breast cancer. Awareness, self-advocacy, and early action save lives.
If you’re nearing 40, book that mammogram.
If you’re younger but something feels off, don’t second-guess yourself.
And if you don’t know your family history, go find it.

Because the best time to care for your health isn’t when something’s wrong — it’s right now.

Real Talk, Real People.