Space 01 · Understand

Young women

Chapter 13 of 15 · 7 cards · about 5 min

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Chapter 13 · Young women
THE QUESTION

I'm under 40: can it happen to me?

The answer in a few cards.

1 / 7

Less common, but possible

Breast cancer is rarer in young women, but it exists. Nobody is “too young” to get checked.

Source: ACS, 2026

2 / 7

Often found later

In a young woman, cancer is rarely suspected. A lump that does not go away must be examined.

Source: ACS, 2026

3 / 7

Sometimes more aggressive cancers

cancer is more common in women under 40.

Source: ACS, 2026

4 / 7

Ultrasound first

Young breasts are often denser: is frequently used to examine a lump.

Source: ACS, 2026

5 / 7

Think about fertility

Some treatments can affect the ability to have children. Talk about it before starting.

Source: NCI, 2026

6 / 7

During pregnancy

Breast cancer affects about 1 pregnancy in 3,000. A lump during pregnancy or breastfeeding must also be examined.

Source: NCI, 2026

7 / 7

Family?

A young woman with breast cancer, especially with cases in the family, may be offered genetic counselling.

Source: NCI, 2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Among the patients (all cancers) supported by Ithar in 2024, 17.1% were between 18 and 40 years old.

Source: Ithar association (إيثار), 2024

TRUE OR FALSE?

“You can't get breast cancer before 40.”

TRUE OR FALSE?

“Breast cancer can be treated during pregnancy.”

KEY POINTS
  • You are never too young to get checked.
  • cancer is more common in young women.
  • Talk about fertility before treatment.
SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER

Information based on publications by the WHO, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the French National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK and published scientific studies. The information on ROSE does not replace the advice of a health professional.

Chapter complete!

You now know more than many people. Pass it on.

Next chapter: Supporting a loved one →
Sources: ACS, 2026…

15 stories to understand it all

Pick a question and let the cards guide you.

01To readWhat is breast cancer?Is a lump in the breast always cancer?5 min read02To readThe signsWould you recognise breast cancer?5 min read03To readRisk factorsWhy do some people get breast cancer and others don't?5 min read04To readScreening, by country and ageShould you wait for a sign before getting a test?5 min read05To readDiagnosis and testsThey found a lump: what happens next?5 min read06To readTypes: hormone-sensitive, HER2, triple-negativeAre all breast cancers the same?5 min read07To readStagesWhat does “stage 2” mean?5 min read08To readTreatmentsHow is breast cancer treated?5 min read09To readLiving with treatment side effectsFatigue, hair, morale: how to get through treatment?5 min read10To readLife afterAnd when treatment is over?5 min read11To readGenetics and BRCAIs breast cancer passed down in families?5 min read12To readBreast cancer in menCan a man get breast cancer?5 min read13In progressYoung womenI'm under 40: can it happen to me?5 min read14To readSupporting a loved oneHow can you help someone with breast cancer?5 min read15To readPreventionCan you reduce your risk of breast cancer?5 min read

Information based on publications by the WHO, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the French National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK and published scientific studies. The information on ROSE does not replace the advice of a health professional.