Breast cancer awareness and prevention are on the rise, and so are the detection rates for young women.
Last week, The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study stating women between the ages of 25 and 39 diagnosed with breast cancer rose approximately 3.6 percent a year from 2000 to 2009.
Though breast cancer research has made several strides in recent years, these numbers are still rising.
Sydney Prescott, nurse practitioner and oncology specialist, said reasons for the increase could be varied, such as lack of exercise, hormones in food and being overweight.
The study does not mean younger women should be screened earlier, said Deputy Chief Medical Officer for the American Cancer Society Len Lichtenfeld in a news release.
“It is important to point out that this increase is only in the diagnosis of advanced diseases, not in localizes or regional stages of breast cancer in women under age 40,” Lichtenfeld said in the release.
Prescott said the best way to increase prevention is for women to inspect themselves regularly at younger ages and go to the doctor if they see any significant changes.
“You need to know your breasts. Look for changes like lumps and bumps especially above or below your collar bone because that’s where your lymph nodes are,” Prescott said. “Also, keep an eye out for swelling, redness or a rash.”
Communication disorders senior Janelle Arnold said the study will give more reason to go to the doctor early on if she sees any warning signs.
“Breast cancer runs in my family, and it helps to get tested early so doctors can make sure nothing is wrong with us,” Arnold said.
Secondary education senior Lauren Termine said the study will encourage her to start doing regular self-examinations.
“It’s about keeping up with it, not just slacking off,” Termine said.
Another way young women can take preventative steps is by knowing their family history.
“A lot of people are more aware of their family history for all cancers. You can determine what your risk factors are and how soon you should be screened,” Prescott said.
Termine said because breast cancer can affect young women, it is important that the University promotes breast cancer awareness.
“Zeta [Tau Alpha sorority] does a good job at promoting it on campus. It’s good that they are on campus,” Termine said.
Lichtenfeld said that this study makes further research more important.
“As the trend continues to increase over time, we cannot predict what will happen over the next ten or 20 years. As a result, it is important we continue research to understand what is contributing to this observation.”
“It’s about keeping up with it, not just slacking off.”
