Once, breast cancer affected mostly women over the age of 50. But now, the Big C is affecting women in lower age groups. New data from South African research shows that breast cancer among young women is on the rise, reflecting global trends. According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in South Africa, accounting for 23% of all cancers. Here’s what to know to protect yourself.
Breast cancer and young women: the numbers
In the U.S., a recent study found that breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women aged 20 to 49 years. Now, we know that this data correlates with what’s happening in SA. A 2024 study looked at radiology records among patients younger than 40 in Johannesburg over a five-year period. They found that among the test results, 73% of them were positive breast cancer diagnoses. And the average age for women being diagnosed under 40? Just 34 years old.
It can be more aggressive
Plus, with breast cancer in young women, the Breast Imaging Society of South Africa (BISSA), a sub-speciality group of the Radiological Society of South Africa, warns that young women are more likely to develop breast cancers with aggressive biological characteristics. These cancers often present with larger tumours and more advanced stages of the disease at diagnosis, making early detection vital for improving outcomes. According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), young women with breast cancer are more likely to have triple-negative breast cancer – which has fewer treatment options (but slowly improving) – as well as a recurrence at five or 10 years after therapy.
Why are younger women being affected?
The BCRF notes that inherited genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2 are more commonly seen among women, which contributes to the rise of BC.
Other risk factors include:
- Having family member(s) with:
- breast cancer before age 50 or breast cancer in both breasts or breast cancer as a man
- ovarian, pancreatic or metastatic prostate cancer
- triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)
- Having had your first period before you turned 12
- Being pregnant over the age of 30, or not giving birth
READ MORE: My Experience With Breast Cancer, At Age 27
Do regular screenings
Dr Peter Schoub, Chair of BISSA, emphasises the importance of early detection through regular self-examinations starting in your 20s, and annual mammograms from age 40. “Awareness and education about breast cancer in young women can lead to earlier diagnoses and less invasive treatment options,” says Dr Schoub. “The growing number of younger women being diagnosed with breast cancer highlights the need to expand awareness campaigns and improve screening programs, especially for those at higher risk.”
And if you have medical aid, make use of your free mammogram offers. “Although most major medical schemes offer complimentary mammogram screenings for women over 40, only about 20% of women take advantage of this service,” says Dr Schoub. “We must also be mindful that breast cancer is increasingly being detected in women in their 30s, who experience more aggressive forms of the disease that can spread rapidly if not detected early.”
Dr Schoub says that while breast cancer risk increases with age, the disease does not discriminate: women of all ages, races and socio-economic backgrounds can be affected.
“This is why routine self-examinations and clinical breast checks by a healthcare professional at least once a year are essential,” he explains. “Any abnormality, regardless of age or family history, should be evaluated by a medical professional immediately.”
He says the goal of breast cancer screening is to detect the disease before symptoms emerge. “Cancers found through routine screening are often smaller and localised, increasing the chances of successful treatment and survival. The size of the tumour and whether the cancer has spread are key factors in determining the prognosis.”
Breast Cancer Awareness Guide
Dive in and let this digi mag arm you and yours with powerful information so we can move towards a world where breast cancer becomes that much easier to tackle. Let us work hand in hand to spread awareness, support those in need, and contribute to the ongoing fight against breast cancer. With early detection and an army of knowledgeable women, this is possible!
How to protect yourself from breast cancer as a young woman
Other ways you can protect yourself involve lifestyle shifts.
Stay in shape
Previous research notes that obesity or being overweight increases the risk of breast and other cancers.
Ditch the vices
Tough to hear, but necessary: excessive alcohol consumption (no more than one drink a day, says Prevent Cancer Organisation) ups your risk. Also, a lack of physical activity, smoking and diets high in saturated fats contribute to risk.
Go easy on meat
Studies show that higher intakes of red meat, animal fats and processed meats correlate to higher rates of breast (and other) cancers. Your move: swap them out for beans, lentils, nuts and veg.
Load up on veg
The five-a-day really help: they’re higher in fibre, with is associated with lower breast cancer rates. Veg and fruits are also high in antioxidants, which protect against inflammation.
Get some sun
South Africans have alarmingly high rates of vitamin D deficiency. Black South Africans are the most affected, with almost 63% living with a lack of vitamin D. But vitamin D could also play a role in cancer, per CANSA. “Research suggests that women with low levels of vitamin D have a higher risk of breast cancer. Vitamin D may play a role in controlling normal breast cell growth and may be able to stop breast cancer cells from growing,” they note.
READ MORE: 11 Symptoms Of Breast Cancer In Women That Aren’t Lumps
How to self-examine your breasts
“The breast changes throughout the menstrual cycle and it is important to always self-examine at the same time of the month, usually a week after your period when your breasts are less tender due to fluctuations in hormone levels,” explains BISSA. Here’s how to check ‘em.
Do a visual exam
Sit or stand, without clothing, in front of a mirror with your arms to your side and look for changes in size, shape, symmetry, puckering and dimpling.
Then, do a physical examination
- Lie down so that your breast tissue spreads out making it easier to feel, or in the shower, using soap to glide more easily over your breasts:
- Use the pads of your three middle fingers, not your fingertips, to examine.
- Apply different pressure levels – light to feel the breast tissue closest to the skin, medium to feel deeper, and firm to feel the tissue closest to the chest and ribs.
- Use a methodical technique such as beginning near the collarbone, then moving towards the nipples, in a clockwork fashion.
- Allow enough time and don’t rush the examination.
Signs to look out for
It’s important to note that many lumps may turn out to be harmless, but it is essential that all of them are checked. Visit your doc if you notice any of these changes:
- Swelling of all or part of the breast,
- Skin irritation, dimpling or ridges on the skin,
- Nipple pain or the nipple turning inward,
- Redness, scaliness or thickening of the nipple or breast skin,
- A nipple discharges other than breast milk, or
- A lump or knot near the underarm area.
Michelle is the features editor at WH. She’s immensely curious about the world, passionate about health and wellness and enjoys a good surf when the waves are good.
