Chance of breast cancer at 20?

Question

I keep hearing that it's rare before 40ish... But is there an actual percentage for the chance of a 20-year-old girl getting breast cancer? Especially one who has it in her family, but only after menopause? If so, would there be any chance of an advanced stage, or would it more or less have to be one of the early stages? (And furthermore, how big are lumps?)

Answer 1

Only 5% of people diagnosed with breast cancer are under the age of 35. Usually women under the age of 35 have more aggressive forms of breast cancer but not always. Your chances are greater of developing breast cancer if you have family members that have had it. The size of tumors vary depending on how long the cancer has been there and how agressive it is. I hope this helps and good luck!

Answer 2

Wow, were to begin. Your percentage at your age is low, however your family history would make you at a somewhat higher risk. Normally you would get a mamo done at age 40, but with a family history you should have your first one done at age 35. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer 14 years ago I was the youngest one in my breast cancer group. I do the race for the cure every year and now there are hundreds of women much younger than I was. I was 42 when I was diagnosed. I think it's because the public is more aware of breast cancer and the women are going in for their mamos. As far as size of lumps they can be all sizes, it depends on how fast you catch the cancer or lump. Mine was only 1 centimeter and the cancer was found in the middle of it. Very small. If the cancer isn't found early it can be large and in late stages.

Answer 3

The lump I had was 2 cm when I finally found it. I was 33 when I was diagnosed (I just turned 34) and the surgeon I went to said that there's 1-3% of the population who are 35 and younger and diagnosed with breast cancer. The one problem with getting it when you are younger, is it tends to be a bit more aggressive. If you find it early, it is treatable. I've just finished up chemo treatments and I'm getting ready for radiation.

If this is something that's worrying you, then talk to your doctor and let them know about your family history and see what they can do to help ease your mind. I'll be thinking the best for you!

Answer 4

If you have breast cancer in your family (particularly mother or sisters), and you have found a lump, see a doctor. The vast, vast majority of lumps turn out to be just cysts, or benign. That's probably 95% most likely outcome for you. But if it is cancer, you want to catch it while it's still small. Breast cancer caught in its earliest stages is nearly 100% curable.

Please, please don't be afraid to check this out. Even if it turns out to be cancer, the treatments are actually pretty easy to live with, and they are VERY effective. I had stage IIA BC at age 40. Had lumpectomy, chemo, and radiation, and only missed a couple weeks of work. I'm seven years out now, and considered cured.

Cancerous lumps can come in any size. Smaller is always better - means they caught it early. But mine was pretty good-sized (4 cm) and it still hadn't spread to the lymph nodes or any other tissue.

Answer 5

If you have a family history of breast cancer, especiallly close relatives, Mom, maternal aunts etc. I can see where you could be concerned. There is a wonderful test out there that you can get through an oncologist called the BRAC1 and BRAC2. These tests check for the genetic liklihood of you developing breast cancer. The MD also asks for detailed family history and can give you a pretty close approximation of your chance for genetic breast cancer and what you should do to prepare. Hope this helps :)