Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their twenties, thirties, and forties, according to research conducted by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).

The university stated in a press release on Friday that the study reviewed breast cancer cases over 35 years to highlight trends in breast cancer detection in Canada.

It was found that the risk increases with age:

Women in their twenties: There were 3.9 cases per 100,000 people between 1984 and 1988, compared to 5.7 cases per 100,000 between 2015 and 2019, an increase of 45.5 percent.

Women in their thirties: There were 37.7 cases per 100,000 people between 1984 and 1988, compared to 42.4 cases per 100,000 between 2015 and 2019, an increase of 12.5 percent.

Women in their forties: There were 127.8 cases per 100,000 people between 1984 and 1988, compared to 139.4 cases per 100,000 between 2015 and 2019, an increase of 9.1 percent.

Leading the study is Dr. Jan Sly, the head of the breast imaging department at Ottawa Hospital and a professor in the Department of Radiology at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Sly mentioned that the rising rates among younger women are concerning, pointing out that women in their twenties and thirties are not routinely screened for breast cancer.

Dr. Sly added, "Breast cancer in younger women tends to be diagnosed at later stages and is often more aggressive."

Dr. Sly suggests targeting younger women in breast cancer awareness campaigns and screening programs.

He stated, "We are calling for increased awareness among healthcare workers and the public regarding the rising rates of breast cancer in younger women."

"We need to adapt our strategies and policies to reflect these changing trends and ensure that all women, regardless of age, have the information and resources they need to detect and fight this disease."

The study also indicates that further research is needed to understand the underlying reason for the rising rates of breast cancer among younger women.

Chelsea Bland was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 28 years old.

Although Bland has been cancer-free for two years, she is still undergoing hormonal treatment to this day. Her experience led her to create a local group to provide support for women aged 28 to 40.

"I hope that the awareness raised by this study will make people think twice before saying that being in your twenties, thirties, and forties is too young to get breast cancer," Bland said. “In my support group, I have heard the same story over and over again.”

"Young women are not taken seriously after a tumor is found because they are told they are too young to have breast cancer. This has ultimately led to delayed diagnoses and diagnoses at more advanced stages. We are not too young for this, and this happens to women who have no high-risk genetic markers for breast cancer, including myself.