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BREAST CANCER IN YOUNGER WOMEN
heart icon October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast cancer is most common in women over age 50.1 But some women have a high risk for getting breast cancer, even at a younger age. About 11% of all new cases of breast cancer in the United States are in women younger than age 45.1

Who’s at a higher risk?
The following factors increase the risk of getting breast cancer at a young age.2
• You have close relatives who were diagnosed with breast cancer before age 45.
• You have close relatives diagnosed with ovarian cancer at any age.
• You carry a high-risk breast cancer gene (BRCA1 or BRCA2).
• You are of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.
• You had radiation therapy to the chest or breast during childhood or early adulthood.
• You’ve had breast cancer or other breast health problems.
• You’ve been told you have dense breast tissue on a mammogram.

Do you have concerns about your family history and breast cancer risk? Talk with your doctor about options for early screening and genetic testing.

Sources:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Breast Cancer in Young Women.” https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/young_women/index.htm
(last reviewed/updated June 18, 2018).
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
at a Young Age.” https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/young_women/bringyourbrave/
breast_cancer_young_women/risk_factors.htm (last reviewed/updated April 5, 2019).

This is general health information and not medical advice or services. Always consult with your doctor for appropriate examinations, treatment, testing and health care recommendations.
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