If I’ve learned anything in the last five years, it’s that cancer doesn’t care how old you are. It doesn’t care if you’re planning a wedding, chasing a promotion, or dreaming of starting a family. It doesn’t care if you’re 30, like my best friend Lisa was when she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. And it doesn’t care if you’re 35, like I was when I first learned I have a 20% lifetime risk of the disease. What matters is that cancer is increasingly affecting women under 40, and it’s high time we talk about it.
What to know about cancer in women under 40
When it comes to cancer in young women, the numbers are hard to ignore. The American Cancer Society reports that cancer incidence rates for women under 50 have surpassed those of men in the same age group, marking a significant shift that deserves our attention.
Breast cancer, in particular, is trending up among the younger population. Between 2001 and 2020, breast cancer incidence in young women increased by more than 0.5% annually in 21 states. The Western region saw the fastest rise, and the Northeast had the highest absolute rate for women under 40, with a notable increase over time. The South was the only region where rates under 40 didn’t rise.
But it’s not just breast cancer: Gastrointestinal cancers, including colorectal, pancreatic, and esophageal, are climbing among those under 50. Early-onset colorectal cancer alone accounts for 54% of young-onset GI cancers.
Cervical and ovarian cancers: Your health is in your hands
And then there are gynecological cancers. Those annual OB/GYN exams? They’re not just a check-in — they can be lifesaving.
While cervical cancer may be less common in women under 30, it’s still very real. In the U.S., the incidence rate is roughly 1.35 per 100,000 for women aged 20–24 and 7.24 per 100,000 for those 25–29. These numbers are low, yes, but every case is preventable with early detection.
Questions Women Are Asking
Pap smears catch abnormal cells before they turn into cancer, giving you a huge advantage. And HPV vaccination has also changed the game: among women aged 20–24 who were screened, rates of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2+) dropped by 79% from 2008 to 2022, and CIN3+ dropped by 80%. The takeaway? Prevention works when we use it.
Ovarian cancer can be a bit trickier. It’s often silent until later stages, and while most cases happen post-menopause, younger women aren’t exempt, especially if there’s a family history or inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. Women with these mutations face a significantly higher risk for both ovarian and breast cancer. Talking to a healthcare provider, considering genetic counseling, and staying proactive can make all the difference between catching the disease early or too late.
Understanding the “why” behind rising cancer rates in young women
So, what’s driving the increase in cancer among young women? The answer is complicated and still not entirely understood. What we do know is that while genetics matter, lifestyle plays a big role. Poor diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, and alcohol consumption are all linked to higher cancer risks.
Environmental exposures and healthcare access disparities may also be influencing these trends. Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous populations are disproportionately affected by certain cancers and often face worse survival outcomes.
Real cancer stories, real impact
These stats are sobering, yes, but it’s important to remember that behind each number is a young woman navigating the challenges of a cancer diagnosis at an early age. My best friend Lisa’s story is a constant reminder of that reality. Diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at 30, she fought bravely but ultimately lost her battle five years ago. Her journey was brutal — chemotherapy, surgeries, and the harsh uncertainty of what would come next — but she faced it with incredible strength, often asking her oncologist, “When can I fly again?”
And she is far from alone. Many young women face similar struggles, often with limited understanding from peers or society. The emotional and physical toll is immense, but the resilience these women show is nothing short of inspiring.
What can we actually do about it? Advocating for change
In terms of protecting yourself, awareness is everything. Knowing that cancer can affect young people is step one. Regular screenings — breast, cervical, colorectal — save lives. Pap smears prevent cervical cancer. Colonoscopies catch colorectal cancer early. And, in incredible news, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends starting breast cancer screenings at 40 in response to rising cases among younger women.
Advocating for yourself matters, too. Speak up about your health concerns. Seek a second (or third) opinion, and push for the testing you deserve. You know your body better than anyone else; make sure you and your healthcare team are taking good care of it. For those facing a diagnosis, that conversation should also include fertility preservation. Options like egg or embryo freezing can give you more control over your future, even while navigating treatment.
This isn’t just about statistics. It’s about women’s lives — yours, your sister’s, your best friend’s. It’s about building a future where young people don’t have to face a cancer diagnosis alone, where early detection, equitable care, and the chance to preserve fertility are part of the conversation. We’ll cheers to that.
Kristyn Hodgdon is a passionate women's health advocate and the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Rescripted, where she helps break down complicated medical info into content that's easy to understand — and actually helpful. As an IVF mom who’s experienced pregnancy loss and lives with PCOS, Kristyn blends her professional know-how with real-life experience to support others navigating similar journeys. Her work has been featured on Good Morning America, ScaryMommy, and more, and she’s the host of the podcast From First Period To Last Period. A Fordham University grad, Kristyn also volunteers with the Fly Again Foundation, which supports breast cancer patients. You can find her on Instagram or connect with her on Linkedin.
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