(NewsNation) — October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the timing is pertinent after an American Cancer Society study revealed cases in women under 50 have increased by 1.4% annually from 2012 to 2021.
Dr. Arielle Heeke, an oncologist for the Levine Cancer Institute, joined “Morning in America” to discuss the issue.
“It used to be a rare instance to see a woman in her 30s, but now it’s more common, we’re even seeing young women in their 20s,” Heeke said.
“It’s hard to say why this is happening. I think some of it is certainly awareness. Word is getting out there that women need to be more self-aware on their exams, to bring it to the attention of their providers to seek a mammogram.”
Breast cancer remains the second-greatest leading cause of death in women among cancers. An earlier screening could cure a woman from the disease altogether.
“We recommend for women to start annual mammograms at age 40,” Heeke said. “We’ve seen this trend and other cancer types as well; colon cancer screening has moved up.
“The reason for this is a mammogram is what saves lives. If you can diagnose breast cancer at an earlier stage.”