News | NYU Experts: Breast Cancer Rates Continue to Rise Among Young Women, With Diagnosis at Later Stages
Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone recently reported that breast cancer has become the leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women aged 20 to 49, with more young patients diagnosed at later stages. The trend highlights the urgent need for greater screening awareness, prevention, and health education.
Although patients are being diagnosed at younger ages, experts say advances in treatment continue to improve quality of life even at stage IV, when cancer has spread to other organs. Perlmutter Cancer Center recently launched its Early Onset Cancer Program to address this change and provide young cancer patients with personalized, comprehensive treatment and support.
Rising Rates Among Young Patients: A Concerning Trend
Dr. Mary L. Gemignani, director of the Women’s Early Onset Cancer Program and chief of breast surgery, noted that the median age at breast cancer diagnosis is currently 62, but early-onset cases have increased markedly in recent years. About 10% of patients are under age 45, and incidence among people aged 20 to 39 has risen steadily over the past two decades. She emphasized that younger patients often have more aggressive molecular features and a higher risk of poor outcomes.
Triple-negative breast cancer is more common in younger women. This subtype lacks effective targeted treatments and is more challenging to treat. An American Cancer Society report shows that women under 50 are almost twice as likely as men the same age to develop cancer, largely because of rising breast cancer rates.
Improve Risk Awareness and Proactive Screening
Dr. Elizabeth Comen, co-director of Perlmutter Cancer Center’s Mignone Women’s Health Collaborative and an oncology specialist, emphasized that risk assessment and awareness of family history are essential in addressing breast cancer at younger ages. She advises women to discuss their family history with their primary care doctor and complete a breast cancer risk assessment.
For people at average risk, regular screening beginning at age 40 is appropriate, while those at high risk should begin earlier. Women with dense breasts may add ultrasound or MRI to routine mammography.
Dr. Comen said: ‘Education is the first step. Know your risk, stay in communication with your doctor, and seek care when you notice something unusual. Trust your instincts.’
Dr. Gemignani added that health literacy and self-advocacy are equally important. Young patients are often navigating the healthcare system for the first time and may feel overwhelmed by medical terminology. A trusting doctor-patient relationship that encourages questions and shared decision-making is key to keeping treatment on track.
Whole-Person Care: More Than Treating the Disease
For breast cancer patients in their 30s and 40s, Perlmutter Cancer Center views treatment as both a biological and quality-of-life issue. Dr. Comen noted that young women undergoing cancer treatment often must also manage fertility, parenting, careers, and family responsibilities.
‘We must not only eliminate cancer cells but also help patients preserve the integrity of their lives during treatment,’ she said. This includes nutrition, exercise, mental health, sexual health, and daily functioning.
Dr. Gemignani said: ‘When designing the Early Onset Cancer Program, we considered these real-life situations—while your friends are planning a gathering, you may be preparing a cooling cap for chemotherapy. We want to support patients through the process in a more compassionate way.’
Advancing Multidisciplinary Innovation in Oncology
Perlmutter Cancer Center has launched several innovative programs to better serve young cancer patients. Its Oncofertility Program helps patients understand and preserve fertility options before treatment, while the Cardio-Oncology Program uses interdisciplinary care to protect heart function during treatment.
The center also provides mental health support, sexual health management, rehabilitation, exercise guidance, and social work assistance through a patient-centered Survivorship Program.
Dr. Comen concluded: ‘More people are living with and beyond cancer than ever before. Oncology is not only extending life but redefining quality of survival. We want to provide young patients with personalized, continuous whole-person care.’
News | NYU Experts: Breast Cancer Rates Continue to Rise Among Young Women, With Diagnosis at Later Stages
News | NYU Experts: Breast Cancer Rates Continue to Rise Among Young Women, With Diagnosis at Later Stages
Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone recently reported that breast cancer has become the leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women aged 20 to 49, with more young patients diagnosed at later stages. The trend highlights the urgent need for greater screening awareness, prevention, and health education.
Although patients are being diagnosed at younger ages, experts say advances in treatment continue to improve quality of life even at stage IV, when cancer has spread to other organs. Perlmutter Cancer Center recently launched its Early Onset Cancer Program to address this change and provide young cancer patients with personalized, comprehensive treatment and support.
Rising Rates Among Young Patients: A Concerning Trend
Dr. Mary L. Gemignani, director of the Women’s Early Onset Cancer Program and chief of breast surgery, noted that the median age at breast cancer diagnosis is currently 62, but early-onset cases have increased markedly in recent years. About 10% of patients are under age 45, and incidence among people aged 20 to 39 has risen steadily over the past two decades. She emphasized that younger patients often have more aggressive molecular features and a higher risk of poor outcomes.
Triple-negative breast cancer is more common in younger women. This subtype lacks effective targeted treatments and is more challenging to treat. An American Cancer Society report shows that women under 50 are almost twice as likely as men the same age to develop cancer, largely because of rising breast cancer rates.
Improve Risk Awareness and Proactive Screening
Dr. Elizabeth Comen, co-director of Perlmutter Cancer Center’s Mignone Women’s Health Collaborative and an oncology specialist, emphasized that risk assessment and awareness of family history are essential in addressing breast cancer at younger ages. She advises women to discuss their family history with their primary care doctor and complete a breast cancer risk assessment.
For people at average risk, regular screening beginning at age 40 is appropriate, while those at high risk should begin earlier. Women with dense breasts may add ultrasound or MRI to routine mammography.
Dr. Comen said: ‘Education is the first step. Know your risk, stay in communication with your doctor, and seek care when you notice something unusual. Trust your instincts.’
Dr. Gemignani added that health literacy and self-advocacy are equally important. Young patients are often navigating the healthcare system for the first time and may feel overwhelmed by medical terminology. A trusting doctor-patient relationship that encourages questions and shared decision-making is key to keeping treatment on track.
Whole-Person Care: More Than Treating the Disease
For breast cancer patients in their 30s and 40s, Perlmutter Cancer Center views treatment as both a biological and quality-of-life issue. Dr. Comen noted that young women undergoing cancer treatment often must also manage fertility, parenting, careers, and family responsibilities.
‘We must not only eliminate cancer cells but also help patients preserve the integrity of their lives during treatment,’ she said. This includes nutrition, exercise, mental health, sexual health, and daily functioning.
Dr. Gemignani said: ‘When designing the Early Onset Cancer Program, we considered these real-life situations—while your friends are planning a gathering, you may be preparing a cooling cap for chemotherapy. We want to support patients through the process in a more compassionate way.’
Advancing Multidisciplinary Innovation in Oncology
Perlmutter Cancer Center has launched several innovative programs to better serve young cancer patients. Its Oncofertility Program helps patients understand and preserve fertility options before treatment, while the Cardio-Oncology Program uses interdisciplinary care to protect heart function during treatment.
The center also provides mental health support, sexual health management, rehabilitation, exercise guidance, and social work assistance through a patient-centered Survivorship Program.
Dr. Comen concluded: ‘More people are living with and beyond cancer than ever before. Oncology is not only extending life but redefining quality of survival. We want to provide young patients with personalized, continuous whole-person care.’
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