There has been a troubling and significant rise in the number of breast cancer cases among pre-menopausal women – those under 50 years of age. According to a recent report by the American Cancer Society, breast cancer rates in this age group have increased by 1.4 per cent every year from 2012 to 2021.
The report says the number is highest among Asian American and Pacific Islander women - of any age, with a 2.5-2.7 per cent increase every year.
What is causing a surge in breast cancer among young women? Rising estrogen levels According to experts, among the main causes of this spike is that breast cancer is fueled by estrogen – a female hormone. The breast cancer cells have receptors on the outside of their walls that can catch specific hormones that circulate through your body. Doctors say that most women today get their periods at an earlier age, and they delay having children - which surges estrogen and potentially fuels the cancer cells.
Obesity Also, obesity is on the rise – due to sedentary lifestyles and consumption of processed foods. Doctors say an enzyme – known as aromatase fat converts testosterone to estrogen – causing a spike in its levels. If you are, you are most likely to even have a recurrence of breast cancer.
Alcohol Various statistics show a sharp uptick in more women drinking alcohol, with binge drinking more common in those in their 30s and 40s. Doctors say alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer by about 16 per cent. Most women.
