BCNA urges greater awareness of breast cancer

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) has revealed early-onset breast cancer now accounts for over one-fifth of all breast cancer cases in Victoria, with 1,067 diagnoses out of 5,197 breast cancer cases.

The increase is indicative of a national trend, and BCNA is calling for greater awareness, more research, and tailored prevention efforts to address the steady increase in breast cancer diagnoses among women aged 25 to 49, as highlighted in Cancer Council Victoria’s Cancer in Victoria 2023 report.

In 2023, breast cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer among younger Victorian women.

The rise in diagnoses may not seem dramatic, but the BCNA says the steady increase of 0.6 per cent annually over the past decade is concerning, and that young women diagnosed with breast cancer face unique challenges that affect their careers, relationships, family planning, and overall, wellbeing.

BCNA director of policy, advocacy and support services Vicki Durston said early detection and awareness were critical to better outcomes.

“The data cannot be ignored, we often hear from women in their twenties, thirties and forties who have had their concerns dismissed because of their age.

“Immediate reforms are needed to support young women with the knowledge, resources, and care they deserve.

“No woman should feel dismissed or unsupported simply because of her age.”

Ms Durston said understanding the factors driving this increase was crucial.

“Research on why younger women are being diagnosed is a critical part of the overall picture, early detection can be the difference between a treatable diagnosis and incurable metastatic disease.”

Katie Elson, now 29, was first diagnosed with breast cancer two days after her 27th birthday.

She discovered a small lump in her breast, which grew over time, but her concerns were dismissed by her GP who said the lump didn’t feel “nasty” and that she was too young to have breast cancer.

Two years later, Ms Elson’s cancer returned, and she is now living with metastatic breast cancer.

“Being diagnosed at such a young age was emotionally devastating,” she said.

“I’ve been dismissed and doubted simply because of my age, but I’m not alone, many young women face similar experiences.”

The BCNA says Ms Elson’s story highlights the need for improved awareness and support for younger women, as well as for health professionals to take all concerns seriously, regardless of age.

The network is emphasising the importance of focusing on understanding the causes behind this steady increase in early-onset breast cancer.

This includes better research into both modifiable factors, such as lifestyle, and non-modifiable factors, such as genetic predispositions and high breast density. Increased access to affordable genetic testing and heightened awareness of individual risk factors are essential to empowering young women to take proactive steps for their health.

Health professionals, particularly general practitioners, play a pivotal role in recognising symptoms and providing timely advice to younger women.

According to the BCNA, the perception that breast cancer is predominantly an older woman’s disease must change to ensure no woman’s concerns are dismissed based on her age.

The network has applauded efforts to improve data collection on breast cancer in younger women, which will guide future policy, research, and support initiatives, and looks forward to the outcomes of the BreastScreen Australia Review, which will hopefully pave the way for more risk-stratified screening approaches to better support younger women.

For more information on the BCNA, head to bcna.org.au