What signs would breast cancer present itself with in a twenty-year-old? How is it identified? And when should you visit the doctor? This article contains the solutions.
Knowing the signs of breast cancer at the age of twenty may help you identify it early, begin the necessary treatments, and improve your chances of recovery and curing the disease, even though breast cancer is more common in women over the age of forty.
Symptoms of breast cancer at the age of twenty
Because younger women have denser breasts, which are harder to feel, and the tumour may not appear on mammograms as well, it is frequently challenging for doctors to diagnose breast cancer in women under the age of 40, and particularly in women under the age of 20.
However, if any or one of the following signs or symptoms of breast cancer appear before the age of twenty:
- under the armpit lymph node area swelling or the development of a lump.
- Nipple changes like redness, crusting, secretions that aren't like milk, or a pain sensation.
- the development of a lump or the appearance of a new lump in the breast.
- Dimpling or irritation of the breast skin.
- a change in the breast's size or shape.
- any breast area can experience pain.
- a rash or alterations in the skin's thickness on or around the breast.
Diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of twenty
The doctor takes the following actions to diagnose breast cancer in a woman if he has reason to believe she has it:
1. A clinical examination and medical history
A clinical breast examination is then carried out after the patient's medical history, which includes any prior breast issues, any family history of cancer, symptoms, and time of onset, has been obtained.
2. Mammography
Women under the age of 25 are referred for an ultrasound, and if the results of the ultrasound are suspicious, a mammogram is used as a secondary imaging method.
When it comes to women between the ages of 25 and 35, ultrasound is also used. If the results are concerning or the woman has a strong family history of breast cancer, a mammogram is then performed.
3. Biopsy
A biopsy, which involves the removal of a small sample of breast tissue for examination under a microscope to aid in the diagnosis of breast cancer, is performed in the event that the images confirm the presence of a suspicious mass.
Facts about breast cancer at age 20
Breast cancer is actually uncommon in women in their 20s or 30s; only 5% of all cases occurred in this age range. Instead, it is typically discovered in women between the ages of 65 and 74.
Recent studies, however, have revealed that breast cancer, which accounts for 30% of all cancers in people aged 15 to 39, is the most prevalent type of the disease.
Women in their 20s or 30s are more likely to develop breast cancer due to a number of factors, such as:
- A mother, sister, or other close relative under the age of 50 received a breast cancer diagnosis.
- before the age of 30 receiving chest or breast radiation therapy
- being born with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.
- The age at which women begin menstruating, the use of birth control pills, or the prevalence of ovulatory infertility are some hormonal factors.
When should you visit the doctor?
Even though breast cancer is less common in people under the age of twenty, it still happens, so if any of the earlier-mentioned symptoms of breast cancer or any of the following are observed, a doctor should be contacted right away, and the necessary tests for early detection and effective treatment must be carried out:
- changes in the skin
- Changes in the nipple or discharge from it.
- pain.
- breast numbness
- The appearance of a lump in the breast.