Young women can and do get breast cancer. There are currently more than 250,000 women age 40 and under in the United States living with breast cancer, and more than 11,000 young women will be diagnosed in the coming year. Despite the fact that breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women ages 15 to 54,
- Many young women and their doctors are unaware that they are at risk for breast cancer.
- There is no effective screening tool for breast cancer in women under 40.
- Young women under 40 are often diagnosed at a later stage than their older counterparts.
- There is very little research or educational material focused on issues unique to this younger population, such as fertility, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, the impact of hormonal status on the effectiveness of treatment, psycho-social and long-term survivorship issues, and higher mortality rates for young women.
- Young women diagnosed with breast cancer often feel isolated and have little contact with peers who can relate to what they are experiencing.
If you are a young woman affected by breast cancer you are not alone.
LABCA's Young Survivors program is here to help you.
LABCA is planning events throughout Los Angeles County dedicated to young women diagnosed with breast cancer. Please let us know if you are interested in attending one of these events.
Please see our Resources page for Los Angeles-based resources specifically for young women diagnosed with breast cancer.
If you have a question about breast cancer in young women or would like to be put in touch with a volunteer, please contact LABCA.
Linda Tallen and David Paul Kane Cancer Research and Education Foundation.
