What should young women do?

Women in their 20s and 30s are typically focused on continuing their education, starting and growing their careers, building relationships, getting to know themselves, and perhaps starting a family. Some young women have another topic in mind: breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and throughout the rest of the year. Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute We want to draw attention to breast cancer in young women. Since 2012, breast cancer incidence has increased by 1% each year. Among women under 50, this rate is increasing by 1.4 percent per year, and it's even higher for certain groups, such as Asian American and Pacific Islander women.

The recommended age to start regular mammography screening for people at average risk for breast cancer is 40 years. So how can young women prevent breast cancer or detect it at its earliest stages when it is most curable?

Dr. Cristina López Penalvarbreast surgical oncologist at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute

It may seem obvious, but doctors recommend a healthy lifestyle. “That means eating healthy, pursuing healthy weight loss methods if you're overweight, exercising at least five days a week, avoiding alcohol, and not smoking or vaping.” says the doctor. Dr. Cristina López Penalvara breast surgical oncologist at Miami Cancer Institute.

It is also important to do a monthly breast self-examination to get to know your breasts better and notice any changes. Dr. Star MautnerThe Miami Cancer Institute breast surgeon posts a monthly “Feel It on the First” reminder on Instagram. If you need more information, there are many reliable online resources.

Dr. Starr Mautnerbreast surgeon at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute

It may be helpful to know your family history. Family history of cancer should be collected from both the mother and father. Genetic mutations that have been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer include: ATM, bard 1, BRCA1, BRCA2, check 2,PALB2, RAD51C, RAD51D, CDH1, TP53, NF1 and STK11. These mutations don't only affect women. As we learn more about genetic mutations, you may need to speak with a genetic counselor. Consult your gynecologist or family doctor.

If you have a close family member with breast cancer, were diagnosed with breast cancer in your 20s or 30s, have breast cancer in both breasts, have a man with breast cancer, or have a family history of ovarian, prostate, or pancreatic cancer. If so, get a referral for genetic counseling and testing. order. If a test shows that you have inherited a gene that increases your risk of developing breast cancer, measures will be taken to prevent or detect cancer early. You will be screened twice a year, have a breast exam twice a year, and be monitored within a high-risk surveillance program where you will be referred to the surgical team to discuss prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction options. can.

Other risk factors to discuss with your doctor include:

· early age of menarche

· Be over 30 years old at the time of the birth of your first child

· race/ethnicity

· being overweight

· breast density

· Biopsy showing atypical ductal hyperplasia, atypical lobular hyperplasia, or classic lobular carcinoma in situ

Dr. Gladys Giron, Breast surgical oncologist at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute

“Not all breast changes or lumps are cancer,'' breast surgical oncologist points out Dr. Gladys Giron “But if you notice something different, don't hesitate to seek medical attention.” Be sure to make an appointment if you have any of the following symptoms:

· A lump that can be felt or seen in the chest or armpit

· Breast skin changes such as dimples, thickening, or redness

· Unilateral spontaneous nipple discharge or new inversion

· Breast swelling, change in size or shape

“One of the most important things a young woman can do is know her body and advocate for herself. If you notice any changes and it's been going on for more than a few weeks, get tested. And if you go to the doctor and they say there's something there, but they think there's nothing there, so it's benign, get an imaging test and get a biopsy. '' says Dr. Mautner. “My colleagues and I have seen many cases where we were told that the patient was likely benign because they were in their 20s or early 30s, only to find out months later that it was actually cancerous. It could be the difference between life and death.”