Rising Cancer Rates in Young Women (WSJ)

A Call for Awareness, Not Anxiety

January 16, 2025 - The Wall Street Journal headline might stop you in your tracks: "Younger Women Are Now More At-Risk for Cancer Than Men." The statistics are sobering: among adults under 50, women now face a cancer rate 82% higher than their male peers - up significantly from 51% higher in 2002. For women aged 50-64, the shift is even more dramatic - moving from having 21% lower cancer rates than men in 2007 to surpassing men's rates by 2021.

As a breast cancer survivor and author of Crushing the Cancer Curveball, I want to transform these statistics from scary to empowering. While breast cancer rates have increased about 1% each year over the past decade, with steeper rises among younger women, there's also good news: the breast cancer death rate has dropped 44% since 1989, thanks to better treatments and screening. However, it remains the leading cause of cancer death for women under 50, which means we need to focus on early detection and awareness.

Here's what young women and the people who love them need to know:

Cancer Is Still Rare, But Body Awareness Is Essential

While cancer rates are increasing in younger women, it's crucial to remember that cancer remains relatively rare in this age group. However, this doesn't mean we should ignore our bodies. Current screening methods, like mammograms, aren't always effective for younger women, particularly those with dense breast tissue. This makes self-awareness and self-advocacy critically important.

Know Your Body, Trust Your Instincts

Touch your body. Observe your body. Notice changes. If something feels off, speak up. Early detection dramatically improves outcomes, especially for breast cancer. When caught early, breast cancer is highly treatable, and you can still pursue your dreams – whether that's having children, advancing your career, or running marathons.

Living Well Is Your Best Defense

While the WSJ article mentions risk factors like delayed childbearing, obesity, and alcohol consumption, remember this: cancer is not your fault. Instead of fixating on risk factors, focus on living well:

• Move your body regularly

• Eat real, whole foods

• Manage stress

• Build strong relationships with healthcare providers

• Create a supportive community around you

Photo by John Arano on Unsplash

The Scientific Community Needs to Keep Innovating

The rising cancer rates among younger women highlight gaps in our healthcare system. While we've made progress in areas like fertility preservation during cancer treatment, we need more support for younger women facing cancer – particularly around body image, sexuality, and the unique emotional challenges of being diagnosed at a young age. I’m excited about the possibilities in liquid biopsies using AI to detect early-stage cancers with a blood test (not Theranos - actually proven approaches), but we will need reform in FDA processes to get these reviewed and approved for younger women.

Finding Your Tribe

If you're a young woman facing cancer, know that you're not alone. Organizations like Sharsheret, Young Survival Coalition, and online communities like the Peloton BC Tribe on Facebook provide valuable support and connection with others who understand your journey.

The Bottom Line

Be aware, not anxious. Live fully while being mindful of your health. Build strong relationships with healthcare providers who take your concerns seriously. Most importantly, remember that early-stage cancer is generally treatable, and countless women continue to live vibrant, meaningful lives after diagnosis.