Breast cancer is rising sharply among younger women, with a 63% increase in France since 1990. Researchers urge reevaluating screening guidelines and understanding risk factors.
Breast cancer rises in younger women
Breast cancer is becoming more common in younger women, with factors like hormones, environmental chemicals, and lifestyle choices possibly playing a role, though the exact causes are still unclear. Researchers are re-examining when to start screening and emphasizing the need to pay attention to any breast abnormalities, even in those under 40.French study confirms rising trends
A study published in the journal The Breast in October 2025 confirms that breast cancer is increasing among young women in France. The research shows a 63% rise in cases among women aged 30 and a 33% increase among those aged 40 between 1990 and 2023.Data highlights significant growth
The study analyzed data from 229,352 breast cancer cases recorded in France between 1990 and 2023. For women aged 30, the incidence rate rose from 15.1 to 26.3 cases per 100,000 person-years, and for those aged 40, it increased from 98.7 to 131.2 cases per 100,000 person-years. This data was gathered through the Francim network and in collaboration with several French health institutions.Trend seen beyond France
Professor Pascal Pujol, lead author of the study, notes that the increase in breast cancer among young women in France is similar to trends observed in other countries. In the United States, the incidence among women under 50 has grown by 1.4% annually since 2012. In the United Kingdom, similar patterns have been seen in women aged 25 to 49.
