As moms, we juggle so many things every day — work, family, household tasks, and everything in between. But there’s one thing we can’t afford to overlook: our health and the importance of preventative screenings. And lately, there’s a growing concern that’s catching the attention of doctors and health experts alike: Cancer rates are climbing for women under 50.
According to some startling statistics from a new report released by the American Cancer Society, women under 50 are facing cancer at much higher rates than men — 82% higher, to be exact. Breast cancer, along with colorectal, gastric, kidney, and liver cancers, is becoming more common in young women, and this is something that should be taken seriously.
Dayra Avila-Lima, MD, a breast medical oncologist at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, shares her concern about the rising number of young women diagnosed with cancer.
“I think it validated a concern that we’ve been seeing in our clinic,” she says. “We see young patients very often. When I think about how it was about 10 years ago, I don’t recall seeing as many young women as I am now.”
A closer look at breast cancer in younger women
One of the most concerning trends is the rise in breast cancer diagnoses in Generation X and Millennial women. According to the American Cancer Society report, from 2012 to 2021, the overall rate of invasive breast cancer increased by 1% each year, but for women under 50, the rate grew even faster — by 1.4% annually.
“I would say it’s not uncommon now to see patients in their early 30s or early 40s with breast cancer,” Dr. Avila-Lima says.
While there’s no single cause, Dr. Avila-Lima suspects that our modern lifestyles may be contributing factors. She points to things like diets rich in ultra-processed foods and lack of physical activity as potential triggers for this uptick in cancer cases.
Lifestyle choices that impact cancer risk
The American Cancer Society’s report highlights some modifiable lifestyle factors that can increase the risk of cancer. In fact, it’s estimated that over 50% of newly diagnosed cancers (excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer) are linked to factors we can control:
- Cigarette smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Excess body weight
For breast and endometrial cancers specifically, reproductive factors like having children later in life or not at all can increase the risk. But on a positive note, breastfeeding for a year or more is shown to lower the risk of breast cancer.
3 simple steps to lower your cancer risk
As moms, we often put everyone else’s needs first — but our health should always be a top priority. Dr. Avila-Lima offers three straightforward tips that can help lower the risk of cancer:
- Eat a balanced, healthy diet. Focus on foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber. Limit ultra-processed foods, and try to cut back on alcohol and smoking.
- Get moving. Aim for at least 150 minutes of low- or moderate-intensity exercise each week. It doesn’t have to be intense — simple activities like walking, cycling, or yoga can make a difference.
- Stay on top of screenings. Early detection is key. Make sure you’re getting age-recommended preventive screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and lung cancer screenings. Early diagnosis means better outcomes and less treatment down the road.
“These screenings are absolutely vital because the earlier you diagnose someone, the better the outcome. And not only that, but a person may also need less treatment because the disease is at a less advanced stage,” Dr. Avila-Lima says.
She adds, “It’s also important to know your family health history so you can evaluate your individual risk. There’s no need to panic, but this report can serve as a wake-up call for us to be mindful of the risk factors we can control.”
A primary care physician can review any cancer risk factors and determine which screenings are right for you. To find a Baptist Health provider for you and your family, call 904.202.4YOU (4968) or fill out the appointment request form.
