[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/09\/breast-cancer-in-young-women\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/09\/breast-cancer-in-young-women\/","headline":"Coping with Breast Cancer Under 40","name":"Coping with Breast Cancer Under 40","description":"Dealing with breast cancer in your 20s and 30s can present unique challenges. Learn more about what to expect and how to cope as a young woman with cancer.","datePublished":"2021-09-07","dateModified":"2023-08-14","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/women-regions","name":"UPMC Magee-Womens","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/women-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc-magee-womens-hospital\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/GettyImages-1256355931.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/GettyImages-1256355931.jpg","height":325,"width":753},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/09\/breast-cancer-in-young-women\/","about":["Breast Cancer","Cancer Care","Health Topics A-Z"],"wordCount":655,"keywords":["breast cancer","breast cancer in 30s","under 40","young women"],"articleBody":"Breast cancer is an older person’s diagnosis \u2014 right? Not always.In the U.S. in 2021, approximately 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women. An estimated 12,150 cases of those cases will be in women under age 40. Every year, more than 1,000 women under age 40 die from breast cancer.When breast cancer is diagnosed in young women, it’s shocking and devastating. Young women with\u00a0breast cancer\u00a0often face unique challenges and require a different kind of support than older women.Risk Factors and Detection for Breast Cancer in Young WomenAlthough cancer in young women is rare, some\u00a0factors\u00a0seem to raise the risk of a diagnosis. Some risk factors include:A history of close family relatives who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.Previous radiation therapy.Inherited genetic mutation, often in the\u00a0BRCA1\u00a0or\u00a0BRCA2\u00a0gene.Early detection is important for any cancer, but because the disease isn’t expected at a young age, it may be overlooked. Younger women may ignore or not look for a lump; however, breast awareness is the best way to find any changes in your body. In fact, nearly 80% of young women diagnosed with breast cancer find their breast abnormality themselves.Life After Breast CancerFrom differences in treatment options to personal situations, dealing with cancer in your 30s or even 20s can be different than at an older age.FertilityMany young women fear\u00a0chemotherapy and other cancer treatments\u00a0will affect their ability to become pregnant in the future.Discuss fertility in detail with your doctor. Chemotherapy can induce menopause, but you have a range of\u00a0fertility preservation\u00a0options that may still allow you to start a family after treatment.Sex and DatingWhether you’re married or single, having cancer dampens your sex life and can stall your dating life. It’s common to lose interest in sex or to have painful intercourse because of vaginal dryness or other problems caused by treatments. After a mastectomy, women often struggle with body image issues, which may affect their feelings about sexuality.These challenges are common for women of any age undergoing\u00a0breast cancer treatment, but may be especially difficult for young women. This is a good time to bond with friends and remain open to dating if you’re single.No matter your status, there will be different relationship challenges because of your diagnosis. Give it time and seek the support you need to cope with the emotional stress.WorkIn your 20s and 30s, you’re starting and growing your career. Going through treatment doesn’t have to be the end of your career\u2014many patients are able to work through their treatment.FamilyYou may still have young children at home that require a lot of your time and energy. You will have to navigate\u00a0how to talk to your kids about your illness, and you and your spouse may need to redefine roles at home. It’s okay to ask for help from friends, family, and neighbors as you go through treatments.Coping with Breast Cancer at a Young AgeHaving breast cancer at a young age can feel lonely. You will share many of the same struggles as other women going through the same illness, but you’ll also have your own unique challenges.It also can be tough to make regular conversation at the kids’ soccer games or school events, as other parents have trouble empathizing with what you’re going through. Counseling and support groups, particularly groups aimed at younger cancer patients and survivors, can help you through the difficult times. Editor's Note: This article was originally published on September 7, 2021, and was last reviewed on June 22, 2022.SourcesAmerican Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Breast Cancer.  Young Survival Coalition. https:\/\/www.youngsurvival.org\/learn\/about-breast-cancer\/statistics. “Breast Cancer Statistics in Young Adults”. National Library of Medicine. Breast Cancer Before Age 40 Years.  Susan G. Komen. Breast Cancer Information.  "},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2021","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"09","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/\/09\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Coping with Breast Cancer Under 40","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2021\/09\/breast-cancer-in-young-women\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]