Breast cancer rates are rising among younger patients, making accurate info about risks, symptoms and screening more important than ever. Breast cancer is the second most-commonly diagnosed cancer in women, averaging more than 230,000 new cases each year in the U.S. While the majority of those cases occur in women over age 50, an increasing number of diagnoses are affecting younger patients. “The risk of breast cancer in younger age groups was 1 in 48, but over a two-year period it’s now 1 in 46,” says Margaret Gatti-Mays, MD, section chief of the Division of Breast Medical Oncology at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). Cancer-Free World Podcast: Gatti-Mays shares even more info on early-onset breast cancer. Watch on the video player above or YouTube, and listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. What is early onset breast cancer? Early onset breast cancer is typically defined as occurring in patients aged 45 and under. The average age of those diagnosed is 62 to 64. “Early onset breast cancer patients generally tend to be about 15 to 20 years younger than that average age,” Gatti-Mays says. “Unfortunately, we're seeing more young patients developing breast cancers.” The rise is concerning for several reasons, including the tendency for early onset patients to develop particularly aggressive conditions like triple negative breast cancer. That contributes to younger breast cancer patients often being diagnosed at more advanced stages. “When that happens, it's sometimes harder to intervene and fully cure cancer,” Gatti-Mays says. Why are early onset breast cancer diagnoses increasing? According to the American Cancer Society, the increase in early onset breast cancer cases is outpacing the rise in overall diagnoses. “They consistently found an increase in breast cancer diagnoses of about 1% per year since 2013, but when they looked specifically at younger patients, that increase was 1.4%,” Gatti-Mays says. There are multiple causes of the rise in these cases, but one factor commonly thought to be at play — genetic predisposition to breast cancer — doesn’t appear to be a significant factor. “We've not really seen any significant increases in the percentage of our patients that have germline mutations that cause breast cancer,” Gatti-Mays says. “What we have seen is some of the social determinants that may impact cancer risk.” Among the likely reasons for the increase in early onset breast cancers are decreasing fertility rates (delayed pregnancies or not becoming pregnant can increase breast cancer risk), along with certain lifestyle behaviors. “We can see increases in breast cancer risk because of higher rates of obesity and lower activity levels,” Gatti-Mays says. “There’s also alcohol use, which is one of the modifiable risks that many people don't think about. Even one drink of alcohol a day can significantly increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer over her lifetime.” More about breast cancer: risks, symptoms and treatment options at The Ohio State University. Screening for early onset breast cancer Along with the aggressive natures of many early onset breast cancers, later-stage diagnoses can also occur in younger patients because they develop the conditions before beginning recommended screenings. That’s why it’s especially important that those who are or may be at high risk for breast cancer talk to their doctors about undergoing mammograms before age 40. Younger people should also remember to listen to their bodies and report any concerning symptoms to see if they should be screened for breast cancer. “You’re never too young to develop breast cancer,” Gatti-Mays says. “One of the most important things women — or men, who can also develop breast cancer — can do if they detect a change in their breasts or in their armpits, and when the symptoms are sustained over a period of time, is to be advocates for themselves. “Follow up and be persistent. When breast cancer is caught in its early stage (localized, breast only), about 99% of patients are alive and doing very well five years after diagnosis.” The OSUCCC – James BRIDGE Program: a new, groundbreaking initiative focused on early-onset cancer care, research and support.