The Roark sisters, Charmella and Kiki, share an unimaginable bond that goes beyond just being siblings. In 2018, Kiki was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer, a devastating blow for a family still grieving the loss of their aunt to the same disease. “I was in disbelief,” said Charmella. It was hard for her to imagine her “first best friend” going through such a life-altering challenge. However, this shocking diagnosis was only the beginning of an even greater emotional journey. Just four years later, Charmella herself received a stage I breast cancer diagnosis.
This heartbreaking series of events mirrors a growing and concerning trend in the United States young women are increasingly being diagnosed with cancer. While cancer diagnoses have generally declined among men in recent decades, particularly in older age groups, young women, especially those under 50, are facing a much higher risk. A recent report from the American Cancer Society highlights that young women are now nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with cancer as their male peers.
The shift in cancer diagnoses is not limited to one particular type of cancer, either. Incidences of breast, colon, pancreatic, and gastric cancers have all risen in younger generations, with breast and thyroid cancers being the primary contributors to this disturbing trend. “Breast and thyroid cancer account for almost half of all cancer diagnoses in women younger than 50,” said Rebecca Siegel, senior scientific director at the American Cancer Society.
One reason for the increase in cancer diagnoses among young women is the age shift in when cancer is being detected. Historically, older adults were more likely to develop cancer. However, this trend is changing, with women under 50 now having a higher incidence rate of cancer than their male counterparts in the same age group. This shift in demographics calls for heightened awareness, early detection, and improved research on the underlying causes.
For Kiki, the early warning signs were difficult to ignore. Despite being in her late 30s, she experienced sharp pain in her breast, leading her to request a mammogram. However, her doctors dismissed her concerns, suggesting that mammograms were unnecessary at her age. But Kiki knew something wasn’t right and insisted on getting the test. Her persistence led to a timely diagnosis and subsequent treatment, which included a double mastectomy and hormone therapy. Kiki’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of advocating for oneself in the face of medical uncertainty.
Charmella, who had supported Kiki through her cancer journey, followed suit and stayed vigilant with her own breast cancer screenings. In 2022, a routine mammogram revealed that Charmella, too, had breast cancer. At 44, she was faced with the same reality that her sister had endured years earlier. Charmella underwent six rounds of chemotherapy and a month of radiation, emerging victorious after completing treatment.
Despite the rising number of young women diagnosed with cancer, there are also signs of progress. The cancer survival rate in the United States continues to improve, and advances in early detection, treatment options, and public health initiatives are helping to save lives. However, cancer disparities remain prevalent. For Black women, while the incidence rate of breast cancer is lower than in White women, they are significantly more likely to die from the disease. This alarming disparity underscores the need for more targeted interventions and equal access to healthcare.
The rise in cancer diagnoses among young women may also be driven by various lifestyle factors, such as obesity, alcohol consumption, and environmental exposures. Researchers believe that changes in fertility patterns, as well as a lack of physical activity, could be contributing factors. This multifaceted issue requires an equally comprehensive approach to prevention, with better education on the risks and a greater emphasis on early detection.
As the cancer incidence rate continues to rise, it’s essential to foster a culture of self-advocacy and informed health choices. For Kiki and Charmella, their journey has not only been about surviving cancer but about urging other young women to take charge of their health. Their message is clear: “Advocate for yourself.” It’s a call to push past medical skepticism, prioritize regular screenings, and raise awareness about the rising risks that young women face.
The rising incidence of cancer among young women signals a need for both personal action and public policy changes. With continued efforts to improve early detection, broaden research, and ensure equitable healthcare access, the hope is that future generations of women won’t have to face the same challenges that Kiki and Charmella did. By addressing this rising threat head-on, we can foster a society that better supports its most vulnerable, ensuring that cancer no longer holds young women in its grip.
