Study Finds Rising Breast Cancer Rates Among Young Women

Earlier screening and improved breast cancer treatment options may mean more young women are being diagnosed and treated sooner.

Breast cancer diagnosis rates among women have steadily increased each year since 2012, likely due to new screening guidelines introduced over the past few decades.  However, it does not appear that minorities have benefited from lower breast cancer death rates associated with earlier diagnosis, like white women have.

The American Cancer Society recently published its Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2024-2025 report, indicating that the rates of breast cancer diagnosed have risen twice as fast among women under 20, which may actually be a good thing, providing access to earlier treatments.

Breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. One in 50 women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer by the age of 50.

The biennial report is considered one of the most comprehensive and detailed studies of breast cancer rates in the United States, estimating that more than 310,000 new invasive cancers and 56,000 ductal carcinomas will be diagnosed in 2024. More than 13,000 of those will be among women under 40, with 37,000 cases in women older than 40. Overall, roughly 42,000 women will die from breast cancer this year, the report predicts.

However, deaths from breast cancer have decreased by 10% over the past 10 years, and by 44% in the past three decades, according to the report. Researchers said this is largely due to improved screening and treatment methods.

Despite these overall improvements, the report did find that Black and Asian/Pacific Islander women have actually seen increases in breast cancer deaths, raising concerns about racial disparities in access to medical treatments.

Among Asian/Pacific Islander and Latina women, roughly 12 to 14 women per 100,000 die. Comparatively, 21 out of every 100,000 American Indian women die and 27 per 100,000 Black women.

The report indicated Black women have a 5% lower occurrence of having breast cancer than white women, but face a 38% higher death rate.

Despite not being diagnosed as frequently, deaths are more common among Black women, and they are often diagnosed with tumors that are difficult to treat. Study authors said this is largely due to being diagnosed at later stages, which stems from less access to healthcare, screening methods and high-quality treatment.

Similarly, American Indian/Alaska Native women also have a lower occurrence of breast cancer than white women but face a 6% higher death rate.

Breast Cancer Rates Among Young Women Rising

While breast cancer is largely considered a disease impacting older women, and it still is, this new study noted that younger women are being diagnosed more often.

According to the data, breast cancer rates among young women have been rising at 2% per year, compared to a 1% annual rate increase seen among older women.

The researchers determined the rising breast cancer rates among young women is due to increased screening and screenings being done at earlier ages. Recently the U.S. Preventive Task Force dropped the recommended age for mammograms to 40 from 50. But recommendations also call for earlier screenings when there’s a risk of breast cancer that runs in the family or other factors come into play.

In some cases, when women develop breast cancer early, it can be more aggressive and easier to miss, particularly when screenings are often encouraged for older women and not younger women. However, the new guidelines are leading to earlier diagnoses and treatment.

While more women in their 20s face breast cancer diagnoses, the overall risk still remains low.

Researchers said that, regardless of age, access to routine and early screenings, as well as high-quality treatment options, continues to be important for women of all ages, races and ethnicities.