Stop telling women they are too young to have breast cancer

27th January 2025

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. 

Breast Cancer Network Australia (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 however the steady increase of 0.6% annually over the past decade is concerning and is indicative of a national trend. Young women diagnosed with breast cancer face unique challenges that impact their careers, relationships, family planning, and overall, wellbeing.

Vicki Durston, BCNA Director of Policy, Advocacy & Support Services, says early detection and awareness are 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 insists that understanding the factors driving this increase is 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’s Story

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, Katie’s cancer returned, and she is now living with metastatic breast cancer. “Being diagnosed at such a young age was emotionally devastating. I’ve been dismissed and doubted simply because of my age, but I’m not alone, many young women face similar experiences."

Katie’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 Need for Action
BCNA emphasises 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, like 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. 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. BCNA applauds efforts to improve data collection on breast cancer in younger women, which will guide future policy, research, and support initiatives. The organisation 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.

BCNA remains interested in the global picture of the impact and experiences of young women diagnosed with breast cancer. BCNA appointed trained Consumer Representatives to a multi-stakeholder group of organisations on an international study ‘Project 528’ – named for the estimated 528,018 young adults living with breast cancer – seeking to identify and understand the most pressing needs of young women diagnosed with breast cancer, their caregivers, and the healthcare providers that support them. The goal of Project 528 is to listen and learn from the experience of the young breast cancer community around the world.

Empowering Young Women
BCNA encourages all women to know their bodies and recognise potential symptoms early. Women with a family history of cancer should consider genetic testing to assess their risk. BCNA also offers a private peer support group for younger women affected by breast cancer, available at: BCNA’s Online Network.