Brown County Health News: Rising Breast Cancer Rates in Young Women Under 50. Doctor Explains | State News

New research is suggesting a worrying trend of increasing breast cancer diagnoses in women under 50.

The Big Picture: Dr. Shelandra Bell, Family Medicine, “Young women should be more aware of their risks of breast cancer–and the healthcare system should do more to communicate those risks.”

Doctor’s Expert Insights about the Link Rising Rates of Breast Cancer in Younger Women in Brown County, Wisconsin

Know this: “These new findings are important in understanding the shifting dynamics of breast cancer among younger women. The increase in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive tumors and the varied incidence rates among racial groups highlight the importance of personalized screening and prevention programs. ER-positive tumors are a type of breast cancer that has cells that use the hormone estrogen to grow. Treatments that block endocrine hormones help in stopping these cancer cells from growing.

The study also highlights racial disparities in breast cancer incidence. Black women–particularly those between the ages of 20-29 are experiencing a much higher incidence rate of ER-positive tumors, when compared to White women of the same age group.

Please know this: talk to your doctor, and see if you’re at high risk for breast cancer and are eligible for a 3-D mammogram. Early detection is key!” Dr. Puja Uppal, Family Medicine.

Health News Today: Breast Cancer Incidence Among US Women Aged 20 to 49

Key Findings for you in for Brown County:

Rising Incidence Rates in Young Women

There has been an increase in breast cancer incidence rates among women aged 20 to 49 years. The numbers have ‘dramatically’ increased since 2016. (Study Editorial)

Racial and Ethnic Disparities

Non-Hispanic Black women had higher breast cancer incidence rates–when compared to other racial and ethnic groups.

Trends by Hormone Receptor Status

The incidence rates for estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) tumors have increased, while those for estrogen receptor-negative (ER−) tumors have decreased over time.

Changes in Tumor Stage at Diagnosis

There was a decrease in the incidence rates for stage II and III tumors, but an increase for stage I and IV tumors. This could be indicative of better cancer screen and diagnosis protocols.

Influence of Social and Reproductive Factors

Factors such as age at first birth, obesity, among others could be influencing the trends in breast cancer incidence.

Of note: The above factors suggest the impact of both biological and social determinants on breast cancer risk. In essence, how and where you live are factors.

Medical News Today: Key Takeaway for You in Brown County

These trends highlight the interplay of genetic, environmental, and societal factors influencing breast cancer risk among younger women. It’s important that you talk to your healthcare team and assess your risk.

“We are hopeful this study will offer clues to prevention strategies that will be effective in younger women, especially younger Black women, who are at particularly high risk of developing breast cancer before age 40…” Dr. Adetunji T. Toriola, Surgery.

What They’re Saying: “Trends in reproductive risk factors could explain the increasing trend in ER+ tumors and the decreasing trends in ER− tumors. The age at first birth for US women has increased from 1970 to 2017 across all races and ethnicities. Older age at first birth has been associated with increased risk of ER+/PR+ tumors and reduced risk of ER−/PR− tumors. Decreased parity number is another reproductive factor associated with increased risks of ER+ tumor among young women and the number of live births has decreased in the US from 1966 to 2015. Obesity may also be one of the possible reasons for the decrease in ER− tumor among young US women. A pooled study found that adult body mass index was inversely associated with risk of ER−/PR− breast cancer among premenopausal women. An increasing trend in prevalence of adult obesity or overweight has been recorded across the study period.” (Study Source)

Health Standard Newswire: The researchers found higher rates of breast cancer among Black women. Especially women between the ages of 20 and 29.

Medical News and Statistics for Brown County, Wisconsin

The following health facts impact your physical health directly!

Did you know there were 11336 deaths from Cancers in Wisconsin in 2021?

35.6% of you in Brown County are obese.

80.4% of you in Brown County have high cholesterol.

16.9% of you in Brown County are smokers.

All of these variables above play an important role in the outcomes of your overall health.

The Health Standard Newswire.