Early-Onset Breast Cancer Rising in Younger Women, Study Finds

A recent study from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health highlights an alarming rise in early-onset breast cancer among US women under 40, with notable differences across geographic regions and demographic groups. 

Published in Cancer Causes & Control, the research analyzed data from the U.S. Cancer Statistics database, examining breast cancer trends from 2001 to 2020 in women aged 25–39.

Lead author Rebecca Kehm, PhD, and colleagues found that breast cancer incidence increased by more than 0.5 percent annually in 21 states, with higher rates observed in the Northeast and Western regions. In contrast, the South saw no significant increase during the study period. 

Across all states, the incidence rate was 32 percent higher in the five states with the highest rates compared to the lowest. Notably, non-Hispanic White women experienced the most consistent rise in early-onset breast cancer, while non-Hispanic Black women had the highest overall incidence.

The study also identified that factors such as alcohol consumption, which varies by state and is influenced by state policies, might contribute to these geographic trends. 

“The increase in incidence is alarming and cannot be explained by genetic factors alone,” said Kehm. The findings underscore the need for more research into environmental and lifestyle factors that might be driving this rise.

While the study does not yet pinpoint the exact causes of the trends, it emphasizes the importance of investigating regional and demographic differences to better understand and predict early-onset breast cancer risk. 

Researchers hope that these findings will help refine risk prediction models and guide future studies into potential environmental exposures affecting younger women.

Note: This news summary was generated by AI based on a published press release, followed by a review from human editors.