courtesy: magickalgraphics
Breast cancer is a disease that can occur at any age, but until recently certain age groups, those over 40, were considered at higher risk, due to the changes in hormone levels in those years.
But a recent trend is changing the way prevention of the disease is approached. And that trend is bringing new worries and new research to try to identify the culprit.
The incidence of breast cancer in women between 25-39 went from 1.59 to 2.90 in the past 30 years. That's nearly double an increase in just the past three decades.
The trend is also showing a constant slope, that is there are no ups and down, but just a steady if mildly increasing curve.
The cancer that was part of this observation is advanced stage breast cancer, which is a much more advanced and serious form of the disease.
The problem is occurring in an age group that regards breast cancer screening as something that would be done in the future, due to existing guidelines, but also who have the least insurance coverage. This is a convergence of factor that does not bode well for those individuals who are diagnosed at an early age. In addition, the cancer in younger individuals tends to be more aggressive.
The difference also cut through ethnic lines, with a higher incidence in African American women and non hispanic caucasians.
Further study will probably warrant a change in screening guidelines in the future.
Source: France 24/ 2.27.13
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