Many people think that breast cancer is a disease that only affects older mothers and grandmothers. You may also be thinking, "Oh, I'm still young, I won't get it." It's not something that can be ignored. There are women who face this disease much sooner than we think, that is, at a younger age. That's why it's so important for you, especially as a young woman, to be aware of this.
Just think, if this happened to a famous actress...
You've probably heard of Hollywood actress Christina Applegate. A few months before she was diagnosed with breast cancer, her mother had also been battling the disease. That's why Christina had been getting regular medical checkups, or mammograms, since she was 30.
But when she was 36, her doctor told her that her breasts were too dense for a mammogram, and that she needed an MRI scan. The MRI was the one that helped her detect her cancer at an early stage . After this incident, she realized that there were so many young women who were at risk, but couldn't afford an MRI. After this incident, she started a foundation to educate young women about this and provide free or low-cost MRI scans.
The lesson we can take from this story is that age, race, and status are irrelevant to this disease. Therefore, it is essential for all of us to be aware of this.
Things you need to know as a young woman
Breast cancer is now becoming relatively common among women under the age of 40. So, what do you need to know about it? Here are some important facts about it.
| Things to know | Simply put... (description) |
|---|---|
| 1. Be aware of your breasts. | No one knows your breasts better than you do about their normal appearance and feel. Talk to your doctor about doing a breast self-exam once a month. That way, you can quickly identify any unusual lumps, changes, skin changes, or pain. |
| 2. If you feel something, keep talking about it. | If you feel something like a lump in your breast, and your family or even your doctors say, "You're still young, it's just how it is," don't ignore it. You have to speak up for yourself. A doctor told me about a young woman who felt a lump at age 18 and was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer at age 22. She kept telling the doctors, but no one took her seriously, saying she was "too young." |
| 3. Choose a medical team that suits you | There is no rule that you should start treatment with the first doctor you see. Breast cancer is not a disease that requires immediate treatment. You have time to choose a medical team that you feel comfortable with, that listens to you well, and that is knowledgeable about new treatment options. For example, it is important to be knowledgeable about neoadjuvant therapy and molecular markers in cancer cells. |
| 4. Research your own situation. | Learn about the stage and grade of your disease. Understand how these will affect your treatment. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor questions. There are no stupid questions, every question is important. You can find information online from trusted websites like breastcancer.org and the Young Survival Coalition. |
| 5. Connect with others like you | It can feel very lonely when you're going through something like this in your 20s or 30s. Connect with other women your age who are going through this. Ask your doctor for help with this. Even if this is not a group you ever thought you would join, it can be a great source of strength to help you cope with the loneliness and difficulty you feel as you go through this journey. |
"I feel a lump" - what to do now?
Imagine you feel something like an unusual lump in your breast, a dimple in your skin, or a swelling in your armpit.
Never underestimate how you feel about your body. Even if someone ignores what you say, keep talking about it. Get a second medical opinion if necessary.
The first step is not to panic. Next, see a doctor right away. He or she will examine you and, if necessary, refer you for a ``Mammogram`` or `` Ultrasound Scan`` . Sometimes, a ``biopsy`` may be done to take a small piece of the lump and examine it. All of this is done to confirm exactly what you have.
In conclusion, breast cancer is a highly curable disease if detected early. All you need to do is take care of your body and seek medical advice as soon as you notice any changes. Don't forget these things just because you are young. Your health is in your hands.
Take-Home Message
- Young age is not a guarantee against breast cancer. Be aware of this at any age.
- Be aware of the normal appearance of your breasts. If you notice any unusual changes (a lump, skin change, pain), see a doctor immediately.
- If no one ignores your concerns, keep talking about them. Get a second opinion if necessary.
- Research the treatment options carefully and choose the medical team you trust the most and who will listen to you.
- You are not alone. Connect with other young women who are going through this journey. It will be a great source of strength for you.
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