Breast Cancer Now: Young Women at Risk Should Get Early Breast Scans
About the Study
The Study carried out by Breast Cancer Now is careful to balance the advantages of earlier screening with the possibility of increased anxiety, but does find that women who have a moderate or high risk of developing breast cancer would be better off with earlier screening. A specialist calculates the level of risk by considering many different factors including familial cancers, a woman’s age or any prior breast or ovarian cancers.
The research was carried out at the University of Manchester. 2,899 women thought to have a moderate or high risk of the disease and aged 35 to 39 took part in the study after being referred by a GP to a family history clinic. 50 breast cancers were detected (in 49 women). 35 of these were found to be invasive breast cancer tumour, most of which were small and identified before they had reached the lymph nodes. The reason this is so important is that this is a sign that the tumours have not yet spread around the body.
Some statistics
With increased awareness and screenings more women are now surviving the disease than ever. However, breast cancer remains the leading cause of death in women under 50 in England and Wales. 920 women under 50 lost their lives to the disease in 2017. It is also the UK’s most common cancer, with around 55,000 women and 350 men being diagnosed each year in the UK. Because of this, catching the cancer quickly before it has a chance to spread is seen vital in the effort to help reduce the number of deaths.
But, of course, it is important not to worry. If you are younger than 50, your risk of breast cancer is generally very low. Women aged between 50 and 70 are invited by the NHS Breast Screening Programme for a screening every 3 years. No matter what, it is important that you are making an informed choice. If you have any questions or queries you can always talk to your own doctor or nurse.
Alternatively, you can talk to a Cancer Research UK nurse.
Use their freephone number 0808 800 4040. The lines are open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Read the Study carried out by Breast Cancer Now here
If you are still confused about your options, or would like to tell us about your experiences receiving treatment or going for a screening, we would be happy to hear from you.
