Achi news desk-
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research from the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
The study reviewed breast cancer cases over 35 years to shed light on trends in breast cancer detection in Canada, the university said in a news release Friday.
He finds that the risk increases with age:
• Women in their 20s: There were 3.9 cases per 100,000 people between 1984 and 1988, compared to 5.7 cases per 100,000 between 2015 and 2019, an increase of 45.5 percent.
• Women in their 30s: between 1984 and 1988 there were 37.7 cases per 100,000 people, compared to 42.4 cases per 100,000 between 2015 and 2019, an increase of 12.5%.
• Women in their 40s: there were 127.8 cases per 100,000 people between 1984 and 1988, compared to 139.4 cases per 100,000 between 2015 and 2019, an increase of 9.1%.
The study is being led by Dr. Jean Seeley, head of breast imaging at The Ottawa Hospital and a professor in the Ottawa Department of Radiology. Dr. Seeley says the rising rates among younger women are concerning, noting that women in their 20s and 30s are not routinely screened. for breast cancer detection.
“Breast cancer in young women tends to be diagnosed at later stages and is often more aggressive,” said Dr. Seeley.
Dr. Seeley suggests targeting younger women in breast cancer awareness campaigns and screening programs.
“We call for increased awareness among health professionals and the public about the increasing incidence of breast cancer in younger women,” said Dr. Seeley.
“We must adapt our strategies and policies to reflect these changing trends, and ensure that all women, regardless of age, have access to the information and resources they need to identify and fight this disease.”
The study also says that more research is needed to understand the main reason for the increase in breast cancer rates among younger women.
Chelsea Bland was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 28 years old.
Although Bland has been cancer free for two years, she remains on hormone therapy today. Her experience led her to start a local group to offer support to women between the ages of 28 and 40.
“I hope that by bringing awareness to this research it makes people think twice about saying that being in your 20s, 30s and 40s is too young to get breast cancer. In my support group, I heard the same story over and over again,” Bland said.
“Young women are not taken seriously after they find a lump because they are told they are too young for breast cancer. This has ultimately led to delays in diagnosis and diagnosis at a more advanced stage. We are not too young for this and it happens to women who do not have genetic markers at high risk for breast cancer, including I am”.
The study was published in the Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal.
