Young Women Face Rising Breast Cancer Diagnoses Each Year

Data released on National Mammography Day indicates a worrying trend: more young women are being diagnosed with breast cancer each year. According to the latest statistics from the American Cancer Society, the incidence rate of breast cancer among women under the age of 50 has increased by approximately 1.4% annually, compared to 1% for those over 50.

One poignant example is the story of Christine Amitrano, who was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer five years ago this week. Amitrano’s journey began when her mother, adopted and unaware of her family history, encouraged her to seek a mammogram at the age of 34. “I started systemic chemo, so I did that for four months. I got three different chemo treatments. I lost all my hair,” Amitrano recalls.

Dr. Jules Cohen, Amitrano’s medical oncologist at the Stony Brook Cancer Center, highlights the increasing prevalence of breast cancer in younger populations. “We do see more breast cancer in the younger population than we used to. We can’t really say why an individual person developed breast cancer,” he explains.

Dr. Cohen emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in breast health. “I think it’s important to have a sense of your own anatomy, to do your own self-breast exam,” he advises. This proactive approach could be crucial in early detection, which significantly impacts treatment outcomes.

Amitrano’s experience has profoundly shaped her career path. After her diagnosis, she transitioned from being a teacher to an MRI technologist, driven by her desire to help others facing similar challenges. “Especially when they are just diagnosed, I will share my story with them just to show them, there is someone else out there that also went through it and that you can get through it,” she said.

Today, Amitrano’s cancer is in remission, and she has taken on new challenges. She participated in the New York City Marathon, raising $4,500 for the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Center. Her journey from diagnosis to recovery serves as a testament to resilience and the importance of early detection and support for young women facing breast cancer.

As the data continues to highlight the increasing rates of breast cancer in younger women, awareness and education around the importance of mammograms and self-examinations remain critical. The growing number of cases serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing research and advocacy in breast cancer awareness and prevention.