Cancer Rates Are 82% Higher For Younger Women: Here's What We Can Do About It

A growing number of younger women in the U.S. are facing a diagnosis they never expected: cancer.

While cancer has traditionally been considered a disease of aging, recent data from the American Cancer Society reveals a concerning trend—cancer rates among women under 50 are rising at an alarming pace. In particular, breast cancer rates in this age group have increased by about 1.4% annually from 2012 to 2021, outpacing the 1% yearly increase seen in the overall female population.

Breast cancer isn’t the only concern. Other early-onset cancers, including colorectal, kidney, and thyroid cancers, are also increasing among younger women. In fact, cancer rates among women under 50 now surpass those of men in the same age group, with breast and thyroid cancers leading the surge.

Hormones play a major role in breast cancer risk, and estrogen exposure appears to be a key factor in the increasing incidence among younger women.

Over the past several decades, population-wide changes have resulted in women experiencing higher lifetime exposure to estrogen. For instance, the average age at which girls experience their first period is younger, while menopause occurs later in life. These trends extend the window of estrogen exposure, potentially fueling the growth of hormone-sensitive breast cancers.

An epidemiologist at Washington University, Graham Colditz, M.D., explains estrogen as a “fertilizer” for breast cells. Over time, excessive exposure can increase the likelihood of cancerous growth.

Beyond hormonal influences, lifestyle factors are under increasing scrutiny. Alcohol consumption, for example, is a well-established risk factor for breast cancer3. Recent trends 4show that women, especially younger women, are drinking alcohol at levels comparable to men, which may be contributing to rising cancer rates. Alcohol not only increases estrogen levels but also damages DNA, creating a perfect storm for cancer development.

Diet and physical activity also play critical roles. Sedentary lifestyles and diets rich in processed foods can contribute to obesity and metabolic changes that influence cancer risk. Research has found obesity to be a known factor increasing the risk of breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women. Furthermore, studies suggest that weight gain—independent of BMI—can elevate cancer risk in women under 50.    

One of the most concerning aspects of the rising cancer trend is the aggressive nature of cancers diagnosed in younger women. Women under 40 are more likely to develop aggressive subtypes, such as triple-negative breast cancer, which lacks hormone receptors and is more difficult to treat.

Despite these troubling trends, there’s positive news: overall cancer survival rates continue to improve, thanks to advances in early detection, targeted therapies, and lifestyle interventions. The U.S. cancer mortality rate has dropped by 34% since 1991, largely due to declines in smoking rates and better screening practices.

For younger women, awareness is key. Understanding risk factors, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and staying vigilant about changes in their bodies can help with early detection and prevention. The recent adjustment in mammogram guidelines—now recommending routine screening starting at age 406—may also help catch cases earlier and improve outcomes.