Increasing Rates for Men and Young Women: When to get Checked

Written by Alyssa Amarando, an undergraduate student at UNCW and a Public Health Intern at Going Beyond the Pink.
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Breast Cancer No Longer Just an Old Woman’s Disease

It is recommended that screening for breast cancer start at the age of 40 for women. But what about young women and men? Although it can be rare, the risk of breast cancer in men and young women is on the rise in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 9% of new breast cancer diagnoses are found in young women and 1 out of every 100-breast cancer diagnosis are found in men. Men and young women should be informed about breast screening options to help determine if screening is right for them and if so, when to have it.

The risk of breast cancer for every individual is unpredictable. Knowing the history of your family's health and risk factors, is important to determine if you should be getting screened. You should share with your doctor if you or your family:

• Have had breast or ovarian cancer.

• Have a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. 

• Radiation therapy to the breast or chest during childhood or early adulthood. 

• Breast health problems such as lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), atypical ductal hyperplasia, or atypical lobular hyperplasia.

It is crucial to have open discussions with your doctor about risk factors and family history when it comes to breast cancer and your health. This information can help your doctor understand your risk of breast cancer and help determine if screening is the right answer for you.

Knowing What’s Normal for Your Breasts

Some individuals might have symptoms of breast cancer while others do now show any signs or symptoms at all. If you have any of the following symptoms that worry you, be sure to consult this with your doctor for further follow up. But please keep in mind that these symptoms can happen with other conditions that do not include cancer. Symptoms of breast cancer for both men and young women include: 

• New lump in the breast or underarm. 

• Thickening or swelling of the breast.  

• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.  

• Redness or flaky skin around the nipple or breast.  

• Pain in or around the nipple area.  

• Nipple discharges other than breast milk, including blood.  

• Any change in the size or shape of the breast.  

• Pain in any area of the breast.

Types of Screening Tests for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer screening tests are used to find cancer before any signs or symptoms occur. There are multiple different ways to screen for breast cancer and it’s important to know what type of screening is best for you. Types of screening include:

• Mammograms are the most common screening test for breast cancer. This type of screening involves an x-ray of the breast. This screening test is most common because it finds breast cancer as early as possible. 

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is also used to screen individuals who are at a higher risk of having breast cancer. This is determined by family history, a known gene abnormality, or used as a monitoring tool for recurrence after treatment. This screening test is more useful to locate small breast lesions that are sometimes missed by a mammogram. 

• Ultrasound is an imaging test that sends high-frequency sound waves through your breast and converts them into images. This screening test is less common and used most often with other screening tests. This screening test is useful for looking at breast changes, such as lumps.

F.A.Q.s on Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis

• Q: Is there a difference in early detection of breast cancer in men and women?

  A: Yes, since male and female breast sizes are different. It can be easier for men and their healthcare professionals to feel small masses (tumors). 

• Q: Are mammograms painful?

  A: Mammograms compress the breast and can cause a slight discomfort for a short period of time. 

• Q: How often should I go to my doctor for a check-up?

  A: If you have any unusual symptoms (as mentioned above) or changes in your breasts, you should contact your doctor. 

• Q: Are there different types of breast cancer?

  A: Yes, there are two common types. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma and Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. 

• Q: How often do men and young women get a breast cancer diagnosis? 

  A: Although it is rare, men and young women do in fact get breast cancer. That is why it is important to know your family's medical history and recognize the signs of breast cancer. 

A Powerful Story to Share

It’s not only important to recognize the signs and symptoms of what’s normal and what’s not, with your breast. But also to advocate for your health with your healthcare providers. Having a known breast cancer history with your family is a start, but advocating and pushing to get screened as a male or young woman can potentially save your life.

In 2007, Ally was a 26-year-old student who felt a lump in her left breast. Ally informed her health care provider about the newly found lump and discussed her family's medical history. Since Ally did not have any known history of her family having breast cancer, her healthcare provider ignored the lump. A year later, Ally returned to her health care provider, but only now the lump was bigger. This time her health care provider screened her and she was now diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. Unfortunately, four months after her diagnosis Ally passed away from breast cancer. 

Resources Specific for Men and Young Women

For more information about your health needs and resources: 

1. Bring Your Brave Campaign provides information to young women about breast cancer and personal stories from survivors about their journey.  

2. Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women conveyed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to increase knowledge about breast health and cancer among young women. 

3. American Cancer Society is an important breast cancer resource for men that includes helpful information and an easy reading guide.  

4. Coping with Cancer is a resource to help navigate individuals with cancer and their families to cope with a cancer diagnosis.  

Looking for more? Check out these resources from our Education Hub and Blog!

https://www.goingbeyondthepink.org/blog/b2rmf8rfpbmczmsk3q04zx8k2ei0e6 

https://www.goingbeyondthepink.org/educationhub/breastcancerscreeninganddiagnosis 

https://www.goingbeyondthepink.org/educationhub/male-breast-cancer