Cancer risk in young women nearly double than men |BGI Insight

Cancer is turning up more frequently in young women. The American Cancer Society shows the incidence rate for women younger than 50 has increased from 51% higher than men in 2002 to 82% higher in 2021. Regular checkups aid early detection, and convenient genetic testing makes it easier than ever to protect women's health.

Cancer: The Genetic Errors

Cancer is fundamentally a disease of our genes. DNA carries the instructions that control every function inside our cells, and over time, errors can accumulate in this genetic code. These changes, now visible through advanced genetic analysis, can set a normal cell on the path to becoming cancerous.

For women, a family history of breast cancer is an important risk factor. Inherited mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 can greatly increase the chance of developing the disease, especially when close relatives were diagnosed at a young age or when multiple family members have been affected.

Estrogen Heightens Cancer Risk

For over 30 years, young women have seen rising cases of breast, colorectal, thyroid, cervical, and uterine cancers. Many overlook early symptoms, delaying care and missing the window for optimal treatment.

Breast cancer is a major contributor to the rising number of cancer diagnoses among women under 50. Its incidence is increasing more rapidly in this younger age group than in older women. A key factor is estrogen, a hormone essential for breast development but also linked to the onset and growth of breast cancer.

The Cell journal has published that the more estrogen a young woman is exposed to over her first few decades of life, the more likely she is to develop breast cancer during her childbearing years. During puberty and pregnancy, estrogen works synergistically with growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), progesterone, and prolactin. These elements stimulate ductal growth, fat deposition, and lobuloalveolar maturation to prepare the breast for lactation. Estrogen could also promote breast cancer by binding to ERα and ERβ, which are unevenly expressed in breast tissue.

Another research highlights that delayed childbearing, early puberty, and fewer pregnancies increase cancer risk with lifetime menstrual cycles and estrogen exposure. Early pregnancy offers protection by halting ovulation and altering breast tissue, while rising childhood obesity contributes to earlier puberty and increased cancer risk.

Hormone receptor-positive cancers remain a clinical challenge due to resistance mechanisms and variable patient responses. Understanding the nuanced biological role of estrogen and its receptors remains central to developing more effective prevention, diagnostic, and treatment strategies for breast cancer.

Screening saves lives

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. Young women often face the most significant risks due to a combination of healthcare and societal barriers. These challenges extend beyond medical infrastructure. It reflects deeper socioeconomic issues like limited access to education, screening, and preventive care.

The BGI Genomics 2023 Global State of Cervical Cancer Awareness Report revealed a critical gap in knowledge: 40 percent of women globally are unaware that over 95 percent of cervical cancer cases are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Among those who lack this awareness, 39.1 percent have never undergone cervical cancer screening, underscoring how misinformation directly impacts prevention.

The World Health Organization's global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer recommends that 70 percent of women be screened with high-performance tests between the ages of 35 and 45. Yet, younger women face unique barriers—43.5 percent of those aged 21 to 25 report avoiding screening due to discomfort with male doctors performing pap smears. This highlights the importance of expanding screening options, such as HPV DNA testing, to ensure more inclusive and comfortable care experiences.

To truly reduce cervical cancer risk among young women, global efforts must focus on culturally sensitive health education, broadened screening access, and empowering women with informed choices. Addressing these gaps is key to safeguarding the health and futures of women worldwide.

Cancer survival rates continue to improve thanks to major progress in diagnosis and treatment. Breakthroughs in immunotherapy and personalized treatments tailored to an individual's cancer are transforming care. Genetic testing also plays a growing role by identifying risks earlier and helping detect more cases in the early stages when treatment is most effective.

By understanding the factors behind rising cancer rates and committing to preventive care, young women can confidently take charge of their health. These choices don't just reduce risk—they empower a future defined by strength, awareness, and resilience.

About BGI Genomics

BGI Genomics, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is the world's leading integrated solutions provider of precision medicine. Our services cover more than 100 countries and regions, involving more than 2,300 medical institutions. In July 2017, as a subsidiary of BGI Group, BGI Genomics (300676.SZ) was officially listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.