Rates of breast cancer are rising in younger women: Study

(Natasha O’Neill/CityNews Ottawa) — A new study by the University of Ottawa shows more women under the age of 50 are being diagnosed with breast cancer.

The research, led by Dr. Jean Seely, was published in the Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal. The report looks at breast cancer cases over 35 years to shed light on detection in Canada.

Using data from the National Cancer Incidence Reporting System, the Canadian Cancer Registry and Statistics Canada the team looked at all women aged 20 to 54 who were diagnosed with breast cancer. 

The research shows over the decades cancer diagnoses have been increasing and it’s not because of more screenings.

For Chelsea Bland, her experience of being diagnosed at 28 years old started with a self-examination when she discovered a lump.

Fortunately, this led to screenings which detected the diagnosis, now she is two years cancer-free. From her experience, she started a group in Ottawa that provides peer support for younger women who have breast cancer. (…)