Breast Cancer Network Australia’s Post

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. This upward trend is not confined to Victoria, with a steady increase in breast cancer diagnoses also on the rise nationally and internationally. Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is calling for greater awareness, improved education, investment into research, and tailored prevention efforts to address the steady increase in breast cancer diagnoses among younger women. Often younger women are overlooked or even dismissed as breast cancer is associated with older women. Younger women diagnosed with breast cancer face unique challenges that impact critical life stages such as career development and family planning, leading to significant psychological and financial challenges. 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.” “There is clearly a need for expanded prevention efforts,” says Vicki Durston, BCNA Director of Policy, Advocacy & Support Services. “Health professionals play a pivotal role in recognising symptoms and providing timely advice to younger women. No woman should feel overlooked or dismissed simply because of her age.” Link to media release: https://ow.ly/p7WA50UOskO #BreastCancerAwareness #YoungerWomen #BCNA #BreastHealth #CancerResearch #EarlyDetection

  • No alternative text description for this image
Megan Kane

Quality Systems Coordinator Breast Cancer Fighter Hopes to gain Masters in Lived Experience Consumer Advocacy in Breast Cancer Awareness when I complete my journey in 2025

1mo

I couldn’t agree more I am travelling this journey and consented to genetic testing I received my results today and it has been found that I carry the CHEK2 gene and my daughter has a 50 percent chance of carrying this as well. Through this testing she can receive early detection testing when she is an adult

To view or add a comment, sign in

Explore topics