Earlier cancer diagnosis for younger women is essential
- Health correspondent
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
Routine breast cancer screening has been carried out on women from their 50th birthday until they are 71 for many years, but the incidence of breast cancer in women in their 20’s is increasing at an alarming rate, and their condition is being routinely missed.
the incidence of breast cancer in women in their 20’s is increasing at an alarming rate
According to the charity CoppaFeel recent analysis has identified that during the period 2022 to 2023 there was a 5% increase in the incidence of breast cancer in women aged 25 to 49. Overall, one in six women diagnosed with breast cancer are aged under 50 and the charity is aiming to bring awareness of the importance for women of any age to check themselves out.
73% of under 50’s who go on to develop cancer have no family history of the disease
Similar conclusions have been drawn in a more recent study in which it was found that 95% of women under the age of 50 who develop cancer were not identified under the current National Institute for Health and Excellence (Nice) guidelines because 73% of under 50’s who go on to develop cancer have no family history of the disease. A team from Cambridge University and the Institute of Cancer Research suggest that Nice should expand its criteria of only looking at the family history as a predictive indicator for cancer to regarding additional factors such as lifestyle and genetic makeup.
Unfortunately, Nice while welcoming the findings and recognise the usefulness of multi-factor risk assessments, have said that it is not necessary to alter current guidelines with the current evidence available.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer contracted by all women in the world affecting one in four women at some stage of their lives. It is the leading cause of death in women under the age of 50. Earlier identification by expanding the risk factors and regular screening is crucial to identify women at higher risk. It is hoped that Nice will look at this again and change their policy in the near future.
By our health correspondent
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