Breast cancer survival lower for the young

But a few doctors across the country are rethinking many aspects of breast cancer prevention and treatment.

Younger women have a harder battle to beat breast cancer, according to new research, with experts encouraging people to find out if they have a hereditary marker in a bid to better combat the disease.

For reasons unknown to medicine, young women suffer from more aggressive forms of breast cancer than older women.

McPherson said that the program, which is found not only at Jacobi but also at hospitals elsewhere, had helped her deal with the breast cancer diagnosis she received in late 2012 and its aftermath. Younger women diagnosed with breast cancer are also more likely to have mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes that present a poor prognosis.

She highlighted the symptoms of breast cancer and the risk factors that increase the possibility of being affected by the disease, and the screening tests women should perform.

Darcy Czajka of the American Cancer Society echoed Hogan’s thoughts that times have changed for those with cancer.

Parker is one of an estimated 40 to 50 percent of women who have dense breast tissue. “What is very important is family support”, she said.

Last week, the American Cancer Society issued updated guidelines, which pushed back these recommended ages five years, encouraging annual mammograms starting at age 45 and one every two years starting at 55.

“I believe everyone should get behind these great events and raise awareness for breast cancer”. Dr. Port is director of the Dubin Breast Center, and, as a surgeon, performs more than 300 operations a year.

“If my story can save one life then I’ve done my bit. That is how most breast cancers in young women are found”. “Community support is so paramount to, I think, recovery and to the fight”, began the Lead Pastor Daniel Madden.

What about smoking?While it may seem worse, there is no direct link between smoking, “that we know of”, and breast cancer. But try telling that to women whose lives are saved by early detection.