Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/85232
084: health&wellbeing Too young for breast cancer WORDS BY: ADELE GAUTIER With mammogram screening recommended for women aged 40-plus, it's easy to think of breast cancer as an "older women's disease", one we mercifully don't need to worry about before we hit 40. But that kind of thinking is not only wrong, it could be dangerous. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among New Zealand women in the pre-screening age group of 20-39; about 150 young women will be diagnosed this year. In the 40-44 age group within the screening age recommended by The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation but before BreastScreen Aotearoa's free screening kicks in at 45, another 220 or so women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation recently commissioned Colmar Brunton to find out what women aged 20-39 know about the risks and symptoms of breast cancer. The research showed that almost two-thirds of young women had no idea breast cancer was the most common cancer for women their age. A third were aware of that fact, but similar numbers put cervical cancer in first place. In fact, Ministry of Health statistics show that breast cancer accounts for 28% of all cancers in this age group, with melanoma second at 19%, and cervical cancer only 8%. Breast cancer occurrence rises steadily as women age, representing 45% of all cancers among women aged 40-44. Of course, it's easy to put on sun-screen, and most of us have our cervical smear routine firmly in place, but how should young women monitor their breast health when mammograms aren't as effective with the denser tissue in younger breasts? "For a start, they need to be conscious of breast health," says Van Henderson, CEO at The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation. "The research Colmar Brunton did for us found that 90% of women aged 20-39 are aware of the regular look and feel of their breasts, yet only one in five claimed to check their breasts at least once a month." 37% check for changes less than once a year (including 12% who never do). When researchers asked young women to describe the symptoms of breast cancer, 97% said finding a lump. But only 39% identified discomfort and pain as possible symptoms, and few women could name other signs such as changes in breast shape or size, nipple discharge or an inverted nipple. The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation wants women aged 20 and up to be aware of Breast cancer is the most common cancer among New Zealand women in the pre- screening age group of 20-39; about 150 young women will be diagnosed this year.