Younger women underestimate breast cancer risk

News Release – Monday October 1, 2012

Younger women underestimate breast cancer risk and neglect mammograms,
new research shows

New research from Colmar Brunton at the start of Breast Cancer Action Month shows young New Zealand women are largely unaware of breast cancer as the main cancer risk for women their age, while most women in their early 40s have never had a mammogram, with many considering themselves “too young” for breast cancer screening – a view that runs counter to the recommendations of The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation and other experts.

Research among women aged 20-39

1. Young women don’t know that breast cancer is the most common cancer at their age

According to the research, commissioned by the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation, two-thirds of women aged 20-39 don’t know that breast cancer is the most common cancer for women their age. While one-third do know that, a similar number believe cervical cancer is most common (figure 1). In fact, breast cancer accounts for 28% of all female cancers in that age group, with melanoma second at 19%, and cervical cancer just 8%[1].

“We all automatically apply sunscreen, and many women have regular cervical smears from a young age, yet when it comes to being proactive about their breast health, they don’t know their risk, so they’re not taking steps to minimise it,” said Evangelia (Van) Henderson, CEO at The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.

2. Young women don’t know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer

Beyond the obvious symptom of a lump (97% awareness), young women have low awareness of breast cancer symptoms. Only 21% of women suggested a nipple discharge might be a sign of cancer. Awareness of other symptoms, such as changes in the skin of the breast and inverted nipple, was extremely low.

3. Young women don’t check their breasts

While 90% of women aged 20-39 told Colmar Brunton they are familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts, 37% check their breasts for changes less than once a year (including 12% who never do). The NZBCF recommends constant awareness.

4. Not enough young women ask about their family history of breast cancer

The research also showed that one-third of young women had never asked about their family history of breast cancer.

“I think women assume their mum would tell them if there was any problem,” Van Henderson said. “But we often hear from young women who had no idea until they were diagnosed themselves that their aunts or grandmother had had cancer.” While only 5-10% of breast cancers are due to hereditary factors, those cancers can be more aggressive, so it’s important to have the conversation, she added.

Ministry of Health statistics suggest around 150 women aged 20-39 will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, along with another 220 women aged 40-44 (breast cancer represents 45% of all cancers for women at this age). Cancers in younger women can be more aggressive than post-menopausal cancers.

Research among women aged 40-44

1. Women aged 40-44 aren’t having mammograms – they’re potentially risking their lives. The situation is worse out of Auckland and in lower income households

The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation recommends annual mammograms from age 40, in line with similar organisations overseas and a large body of medical research.

Yet according to the Colmar Brunton survey, 70% of women aged 40-44 have never had a mammogram (figure 2). The situation is worse out of Auckland, with only 23% of women aged 40-44 saying they’ve had a mammogram, compared with 45% of Auckland women. Those living in higher income households (household income >$100,000) were more likely to have had a mammogram than women in lower income households (40% vs. 22% respectively).

“We’re concerned about some of these numbers,” Van Henderson said. “We know breast cancer can be more aggressive in younger women, and we know that early detection saves lives. If your breast cancer is detected by screening mammogram, you have a 95% chance of surviving to five years. But if your first clue that you have cancer is finding a lump, your five-year survival chance drops to 73%. By not getting a mammogram, you could be putting your life at risk."

2. Those who do have mammograms are having them for the wrong reasons

Disturbingly, the research showed that 60% of those who did have a mammogram did so for the “wrong” reason – because they found a lump or other problem – rather than because they were proactively screening for breast cancer (figure 3).

“We’d like to know more about whether GPs, particularly out of Auckland, are recommending mammograms to those women,” Henderson said. “Very few women in our survey said they had a mammogram because their doctor suggested it.”

3. Woman aged 40-44 think they’re “too young” for mammograms – they’re wrong!

Almost half of those aged 40-44 years who hadn’t had a mammogram considered themselves “too young” (figure 4). A quarter of women aged 40-44 years said they intend to have a mammogram in the next 12 months, while 46% had no intention, and 29% didn’t know.

With around 220 women aged 40-44 likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year (45% of all female cancers in this age group), women should be having screening mammograms (figure 5).

What should women do?

Mammograms are less effective in women under 40, so are not advised for screening healthy younger women. But the Foundation recommends that from age 20, all women should be aware of the normal look and feel of their breasts, so they can discuss any changes with their doctor.

Women of all ages can help lower their risk of breast cancer by moderating their alcohol intake – more than one drink per day can increase risk – exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy BMI, especially after menopause.

“What we want to tell women of all ages this October is to consciously adopt a healthy lifestyle,” Henderson said. “Be aware of any changes in your breasts, and talk to your doctor. Most importantly, if you’re over 40, start having annual mammograms, and sign up for the excellent, free BreastScreen Aotearoa service when you hit 45.”

The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation’s 2012 campaign for Breast Cancer Action Month, launched today, focuses on spreading the message of vigilance and risk reduction to younger women, as well as the more usual audience of women aged 50-plus, who represent over 70% of all breast cancers diagnosed.

The campaign, titled Our Women, features a new recording of Chris Knox’s iconic Kiwi song Not Given Lightly by more than a dozen top musicians, and a music video starring many famous and not-so-famous New Zealanders, which can be viewed at www.ourwomen.co.nz (see separate news release). It is fronted by former TV presenter Helena McAlpine, who has terminal breast cancer. McAlpine was originally diagnosed in 2008 at age 31.

To see more about how to reduce breast cancer risk, and to watch the Our Women music video, visit www.ourwomen.co.nz .

A new, interactive e-learning module that makes self-education about breast cancer easier for women everywhere is available on The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation website www.nzbcf.org.nz .

About NZBCF:

The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation is the country’s foremost breast cancer education and awareness organisation. It is a non-government funded charitable trust promoting awareness of breast cancer, providing information and education, and raising funds to support breast cancer related initiatives including research, scholarships, medical grants, community outreach and breast cancer patient registers.

ENDS

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