Download breast cancer facts

ABOUT YSC
Young Survival Coalition (YSC) was founded in 1998
by three young women who were under the age of
35 when diagnosed with breast cancer. They were
discouraged by the lack of resources available and the
underrepresentation of young women in breast cancer
research. Today, YSC is the go-to organization for young
women facing a breast cancer diagnosis. Among other
services, YSC:
LEARN MORE.
SPREAD THE WORD.
•
Provides information, resources and support from
diagnosis through long-term survivorship;
877.972.1011
•
Educates and empowers young women to be their
own best health advocates;
youngsurvival.org
•
Works with healthcare providers, researchers and
legislators to educate them about the unique issues
young women face, and
•
Advocates for more studies on breast cancer in
young women and access to quality care.
/youngsurvivalcoalition
@YSCBuzz
YSC YoungSurvival
Learn more about common
myths and living a healthy life in our
Awareness & Outreach
Educate & Support
“Breast Health and You” guide.
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1 Archie Bleyer et al., “The distinctive biology of cancer in adolescents
and young adults,” Nature Reviews Cancer 8 (2008).
2. American Cancer Society. Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2013-2014.
– Kalin, age 24 at diagnosis
3. Ruddy, K. et al., “Presentation of breast cancer in young women,”
Journal of Clinical Oncology 27:15S (2009).
Learn More
BREAST CANCER FACTS
YOUNG WOMEN CAN AND DO GET BREAST CANCER.
That’s why it’s important to know the facts,
know what’s normal for you and speak up
when something is different.
Breast cancer is the
most common cancer in
women ages 15 to 39.1
It is estimated that nearly 13,000 cases of
breast cancer in women under age 40 will
be diagnosed each year.2
KNOW YOUR BODY
Nearly 80 percent of young women diagnosed with
breast cancer find their breast abnormality themselves.3
The first step to empowerment is to become familiar
with your breasts and what is normal for you.
It is important to see your doctor immediately if you
notice a sign or symptom of breast cancer, such as:
Until we better understand the causes of
breast cancer, it’s important for all women
to know the facts and be their own health
advocates.
• Lump or unusual thickening in the breast or
underarm area
• Change in color or rash on the skin of the breast
• Unusual nipple discharge
• Swelling of all or part of the breast
• A change in size or shape of the breast
• Itchy, sore or scaling area of the nipple
• Dimpling on breast skin or a nipple turning inward
Never let a doctor tell you that you are “too young” for breast cancer.
Pictured below are real survivors diagnosed between ages 14-42.
• Breast or nipple pain that does not go away
Note: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, normal changes to the
breast and nipple may be more dramatic. But if you see something
that concerns you, ask your doctor. Young women can be diagnosed
with breast cancer while pregnant or nursing.
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR
Medical Icon
If you notice something unusual, talk to your doctor.
If your concern is not taken seriously, you may have
to insist on discussing whether additional testing,
beyond a physical exam, is appropriate. Ultrasound,
mammography, MRI and/or biopsy can be used to
investigate something suspicious.
If the lump or other symptoms do not go away after
one menstrual cycle and your doctor does nothing
more than a clinical exam, find another doctor.
KNOW YOUR FAMILY HISTORY
Family Tree
“Young women should be advocates for their own health. Understanding symptoms of breast cancer
and what I should do if I find something is empowering.” – Lisa, 22
Most women with breast cancer do NOT have a family
history, but it is important to know your maternal and
paternal family cancer history and share it with your
healthcare provider. Mutations (alterations/changes)
in breast cancer-related genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2
increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer,
especially at a young age. However, hereditary or genetic
(BRCA) cancers only account for 5 to 10 percent of all
breast cancer cases.