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Breast cancer in young women

Debbie Hutchings, Cancer Information Nurse at Cancer Research UK, says:

"Breast cancer is rare in young women. Of all the cases of breast cancer diagnosed in women in the UK, 80 per cent occur in women over 50. Just 5.5 per cent of cases are diagnosed in women in their 20s and 30s.

"It is not unusual for younger women to find lumps in their breasts, but very often these turn out not to be cancer.

"However, if you do find a lump, it is important that you go to your doctor and get it checked out.

"For breast cancer, as with most other cancers, early detection is important. When breast cancer is detected at an early stage, treatment is more likely to be successful.

"It is important for women of all ages to be aware of how their breasts normally look and feel and to report any changes to their doctor.

"Look for:

• changes in the size, shape and feel of your breasts
• a new lump or thickening in one breast or armpit
• any puckering, dimpling or redness of the skin
• changes in the position of the nipple, a rash or nipple discharge
• pain or discomfort that is new to you and felt only on one side."

17 September 2004