Young Women Get Breast Cancer Too
Dispelling the Myth and Challenging Your Health Care Provider
An article written to advise young women of their risks of developing breast cancer, and steps to take to ensure their well-being and good health.
There is a commonly held belief that young women don’t get breast cancer. Much to the detriment of women under 40, this belief has resulted in misdiagnosis, longer wait periods prior to treatment, and reduced survival rates in these women compared to their older counterparts. If you hear your doctor say “it’s nothing to worry about”, “women your age don’t get breast cancer”, or “you don’t need a mammogram”, run, don’t walk to the nearest Second Opinion.
More than 11,000 women under the age of 40 are diagnosed annually with breast cancer, and the issues faced by young women are broader and sometimes more complicated than those of older women. What about early menopause? Pregnancy after treatment? What about the fact that breast cancer in young women is often more advanced and mortality rates are higher because of late diagnosis?
If you fall into this younger demographic, being aware of the risks, and taking an active role in your health care, are important factors in making decisions about your well-being.
The Anatomy of a Diagnosis
The Lump
Finding a breast lump is not uncommon. Most of these lumps are benign, and are caused by fluid build-up, normal breast changes, or trauma to the breast. Finding a lump is not a reason to panic. It is, however, a reason to visit the doctor, make him aware of the change, and ask for an assessment.
Here’s where things get sticky. Many doctors will be satisfied to have a quick feel around, and will jump to dismissing the lump as “nothing” because of the young age of a patient. This kind of cursory diagnosis is not only irresponsible, but it puts the patient at risk. Rule #1: A lump is a good reason for an ultrasound, a mammogram, or both. Period. Do not let a doctor tell you otherwise.
The Biopsy
Getting a picture of the lump is the first step. What happens if the images are suspicious? If the mammogram or ultrasound shows something’s up, a biopsy should follow. Rule #2: Even if your x-rays are normal, you have the right to ask for further investigation. Although imaging is reliable, misdiagnosis can occur. If you feel a biopsy would ease your mind, request one.
The biopsy takes a sample piece of the tissue in question, which is then sent to a lab for analysis. Under the microscope, lab technicians can determine if the tissue cells look normal, or if they are cancerous. A core needle biopsy is a simple, relatively painless, non-surgical procedure. It is performed in a doctor’s office, and takes under an hour from start to finish. Well worth it for a little piece of mind.
Don’t be fooled. Breast cancer does not discriminate based on age, and can affect women at age 24 or 84. Do not let a doctor – or anyone else for that matter – tell you otherwise.
If you are under 40, and faced with a health care provider who will not listen, or does not feel your concerns are valid, seek out someone who will give you the time and voice you deserve. It will not only make you feel better, it just might save your life.
For more information on breast cancer in women under 40, visit the Young Survival Coalition website at http://www.youngsurvival.org/ .
