Were you diagnosed young (under 45) with breast cancer? We'd love to hear from you!
Were you diagnosed with breast cancer at age 45 or younger? Or are you caring for someone who was?
Navigating this experience can be lonely — it can sometimes feel like no one gets it. What do you wish others knew about having breast cancer at a young age? What do you wish you had known? Your answers may help others.
Click this link to answer one or both of these questions, in writing, video, or both — whatever feels most natural to you.
Thank you for your participation! It means so much!
Comments
-
I was a young mom, wife, no high risk,no family history, demanded a masectomy after an excitional biopsy, found a second invasive cancer different type, wanted the most aggressive treatment, had chemo twice a month ,slow dense by vein at home for a year.
30 years survivor.
6 -
Thank you for sharing. It makes me hopeful. I am 36 and just got diagnosed. I dont know what stage yet. I have appointment with my breast surgeon on Tuesday and he will let me know. I am so scared.
2 -
Welcome, @hopingforgood! We're so sorry you find yourself here, but we're so glad you've joined our community and hope it can serve as a source of support and encouragement. We know this is a very scary time with so many unknowns and uncertainties, but you are not alone! We're all here for you.
It may also be helpful to connect in real time with others who have been where you are right now. We offer free, professionally led Zoom support groups, and we hope you'll consider joining one when you are ready.
The Mods
1 -
I was diagnosed at 46 and I am now 60. It can be incredibly lonely journey but I must say that having this website to be the best thing I found! I joined groups that were at the same place in my journey - chemo, double mastectomy, radiation, and my reconstruction surgery. There is so much information on this website for everyone!
1 -
Thank you @goodie for the kind words!! We are so happy we could be a helpful resource for you❤️
0 -
I was diagnosed at 29 in 2006. I had only been married for 6 months and discovered a lump after my honeymoon when I went to the gym and did pushups. My pecs were sore, so I was massaging the muscles and found it. Early stage. IIA, HR+, Her2+. I was right at a 2cm tumor. I had the kitchen sink thrown at it due to my age. Double mastectomy + reconstruction. 6 rounds of chemo. 1 year of Herceptin. 1 year of Avastin (part of a clinical trial), and 5 years of anastrozole + Zoladex shot to keep me in medical menopause. I have no family history……well, my 70 year old aunt has since been diagnosed with DCIS in recent years.
In the 15 years I was in remission, I had 3 beautiful children after being told I'd never be able to due to the toll on my ovaries. The universe had other plans! I was in my early 40s when I had them….one unplanned!
Fast forward to fall of 2021 and metastatic lesions were found on a routine MRI of my spine by my orthpoedic surgeon. I have scoliosis and degeneration back there b/c of it, so they found it. Sure enough, it was the breast cancer. I had no symptoms of note.
I'm now stage IV and on Enhertu. Doing well and have a full and wonderful life and always have.
I've never felt normal. My husband and I are wise beyond my years because of this disease. We get along better with people in their 60s than people in their 40s. I don't mind it a bit. You find your place in the world, cancer or not, and love life.
One thing I didn't know until my re-staging was that 20-30% of women with early stage cancer will have their cancer come back as metastatic disease regardless of stage, grade, or treatment choices…and they still don't know why. I was declared "effectively cured" by my oncologist and told I could stop my annual visits and come as needed….4 months prior to incidental findings of metastatic lesions on my spine. The good news is that 70-80% of the time, you'll never deal with it again the rest of your life! I'd take those odds any day.
Not to scare any early stage people here, but it just us what it is. I'll also say that the younger we are, the more likely it may come back. Why? Because we are young. If I had been 70 or 75 at my initial diagnosis, then I would have been 85 or 90 when it came back…and I'd probably not even know until even more time passed since I wouldn't be getting a lot of other scans at that point in life. Bonus of being young is that we can often tolerate treatments better. Hard ones. Full dose ones. For long periods of time if required. We haven't had time to develop other comorbidities yet.
I'm 48 now, so I'm still super young.
I remember how scared I was back in 2006. Boy, I was about to come out of my skin in the waiting room to get my biopsy results at the breast surgeon's office who performed the biopsy. The surgery, waking up to hear there was no node involvement, meeting with my oncologist for the first time. Gracious, it was like being on another planet. We were easily the youngest people in the waiting rooms by 40 years most of the time. That's what made me feel the most out of place. Not the cancer itself, but the fact that I had suddenly entered the world of my grandparents.
Over the 20 years I've been going, my cancer center has become such a place of comfort for me. I trust those people with my life, literally.
You'll get through it and you'll soar!
PS- I don't post here often. I'm not a forum person. I came here for the first time in a while because I just switched from Phesgo to Enhertu and wanted to check out the Enhertu page. Don't be offended if I don't post again for a long time.
1 -
@more_cowbell thank you so much for your hope and positivity!
0 -
@moderators I got my diagnosis but waiting for genetic testing results to come back. TNBC, Stage 2a. I will be starting my chemotherapy in 2 weeks as I am busy with embryo freezing at the moment. Followed by immunotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. I have finally made peace with my diagnosis but I have definitely changed my diet and have started being more active. I am planning to use my FMLA and use my free time taking care of myself and focusing on what I want and need in life. Praying that this will pass through and that I will come out as a warrior and as a best version of myself. Praying for everyone here. Let’s stay strong!
1 -
@hopingforgood - Thank you for sharing your update with us. We're thinking of you as you begin treatment and wish you all the best with the embryo preservation. Please keep us posted, and know that this community is here to support you!
Sincerely,
The Mods
0 -
I was diagnosed at the age 37 in August 2024 with IDC stage 1a. It was the scariest time of my life. I had a 5 year old daughter and was terrified I was never going to see her grow up. I had a lumpectomy, 4 TC bc of high oncotype, 20 radiation sessions. I take astrozole daily for 10 years and get monthly Lupron shots. My doctor said we will revisit that after 5 years. I have tolerated all treatments with very little problems. However my mental state will never be the same. I take Zoloft and Ativan for anxiety. The fear of reoccurrence is with me daily and I don’t know if I will ever come to terms with my diagnosis. I try so hard to just live my life. The thought of thinking about this for the rest of my life is debilitating. Thoughts to all women who have to deal with this.
1 -
Hi @ollie_19 and welcome to Breastcancer.org,
We're so very sorry for the reasons that bring you here, but we're really glad you've found us. You're sure to find our amazing community a wonderful source of advice, information, encouragement and support — we're all here for you!
Thank you for sharing your story — you're not alone in the mental struggles and fear of recurrence. This is a theme we hear time and again, so we're so glad you've posted and we're sure your thoughts will resonate with others!
We wanted to point out our Taking Care of Your Mental Health After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis section, which you might find helpful. Also, we have been hosting a live webinar series on Mental Health that you might find helpful to watch. In addition, we're hosting a new webinar next Tuesday July 22 at 4:30pm called Mental Health and Breast Cancer: It's OK Not to Be OK. You can register at that link.
Additionally, we encourage you to go here to share your story, where we are collecting experiences from others just like you. We appreciate your input!
Thanks again for joining and posting. We look forward to getting to know you! Let us know if you need any help as you navigate the forums.
—The Mods
0 -
I was diagnosed at 39, at the beginning of 2025. I am now awaiting my last round of the TCH chemo regimen. I felt the lump in my breast and caught it early enough that it had not spread but not early enough to not have to undergo chemotherapy. There has been a lot of mourning, loss of my fertility, loss of (for now) part of my breast, loss mostly of my innocence and carelessness. I feel like a medical object. I am now needing to decide if I move forward with a total mastectomy. It's too bad because I found out about my BRCA-2 gene mutation after the initial lumpectomy, I feel I am still healing from that surgery. Part of me wants the bilateral mastectomy so I don't need to go to the hospital every six months to get screening after screening since I am considered high risk of recurrence or new cancer. But part of me does not want to undergo another surgery. I find it really challenging to tap in with my inner wisdom and really know what i want to do with my body. I don't want to take a decision based on fear. But yeah in hindsight, I wish I had insisted more to get the genetic testing done after diagnosis( since my mother is negative the first doctor I consulted didn't think it was necessary and turns out I do have the BRCA-2 gene mutation). You really have to be an advocate for yourself. You are the specialist of your body. Don,T let the doctors make you feel like they know your body more than you. And yeah it's ok not to be ok!
Stage IIA multifocal invasive ductal carcinoma, 14 mm largest tumor, 1/5 sentinel node positive (2.5 mm), 66 mm DCIS, grade 2, triple-positive (ER+, PR+, HER2+), BRCA2 mutation, positive margins,
1 -
I am 36 and I was diagnosed with stage 2 on Monday. This has been the most overwhelming, heartbreaking and scary 2 days of my life. I don’t understand why, I can’t believe this is my story, but I am in it and have to keep going.
I am seeing a specialist surgeon today for surgery option. I am so scared and overwhelmed, I can’t even get out of bed.0 -
@marlize - Welcome! We're so sorry you have to be here, but we're really glad you found us.
The first days after a diagnosis can feel terrifying. Many, many members here have been in that same place, shocked, overwhelmed, and full of fear. But once a treatment plan starts to take shape, things often begin to feel a little more manageable. You're taking that first step today by meeting with the surgeon, and that’s incredibly brave. Come back to let us know how it goes. We’ll be happy to share articles and discussion topics that can help you better understand what’s ahead.
You’re not alone — this wonderful community is here to support you.
The Mods
1 -
@lexa_voltz
We’re so sorry we missed your post! We can feel the weight of everything you’re carrying — chemo, surgery, learning about your BRCA2 mutation, and now facing another big decision while still healing. It’s a lot, and it’s okay if some days you feel strong and other days not so much.
With BRCA2, doctors often recommend a bilateral mastectomy to lower future risk, but that’s only part of the picture. You’re in the driver’s seat. Another surgery might feel overwhelming right now… or like peace of mind. Only you can know.
Ask yourself: In five years, which choice will bring me more peace? Will regular screenings feel reassuring or stressful? Do I need to decide now, or give myself time to heal? Talking with a genetic counselor or getting a second opinion can help bring clarity.
You’ve already shown so much courage and self-advocacy. Whatever you choose, it’s your body, your story, your life.
Sending you strength and clarity,
Your Mods1 -
Would anyone here be willing to share their experiences in a video testimonial? We'd love different forms of how everyone is sharing, if possible! Here is a direct link to start filming, with question prompts.
Thank you all in advance for your help and sharing so candidly!
—The Mods
0 -
I was 46 when I was diagnosed Stage IV de novo HR- HER2+++ right out of the gate. Not younger but not older either, so not sure where I fit. I have two teenagers which is the most heartbreaking part for me. I want to see them grow up and live their own lives.
I think regardless of the stage of diagnosis, it will turn your world upside down. The uncertainty of everything is hard to accept. I still struggle with it most days. Starting treatment is scary. Not knowing what to expect, how it will make you feel, if you will have a good response, etc. Let yourself feel all the emotions. And know that you are stronger than you ever thought capable. You can do this even when it feels impossible. I keep a running note on my phone of positive, long term survivor stories who have a similar diagnosis to me. I read some every day. It helps me not feel so hopeless all the time.
One thing I wish I had known is that breast MRIs are recommended for those with dense, lumpy breasts. Had I known that, I would have absolutely pushed for it and then maybe I wouldn’t be in this mess. If this applies to you, I strongly encourage you add this to your plan for ongoing monitoring. I would also pay out of pocket for annual CT or PET scans for peace of mind, if I was an earlier stage and not scanned on a regular basis. For those with HER2+, they don’t typically recommend brain MRIs until you are experiencing symptoms. That’s not meant to scare you, but rather for awareness as HER2+ patients tend to have a higher incidence of brain metastases. If you feel something isn’t quite right, tell your doctor.
My advice is to stay genuinely aware that this can occur (or reoccur) at any age, and to take any changes seriously enough to seek further testing.
Thinking of you all.
2 -
Thank you @moderators for this thread!
No video for me... certainly not until I have freaking eyebrows again. The form was not hard to fill out though.
1 -
I started hormone block therapy yesterday - surgery is pending until my results for genetics test come back. Once the report is sent to my oncologist we will discuss the surgery options for me. I am just grateful some treatment started for me.
2 -
I was 33 in 2023
0 -
Thank you @sarona and all for your responses! If you haven't already, please fill out this survey to fully share your experience:
Thank you!!
—The Mods
0 -
I'm 45 and was just diagnosed with IDC grade 1 last week after my yearly screening then diagnostic mammogram/ultrasound and biopsy. No risk factors except not having kids/lactating. I have my appointment with my oncology team next week to figure out next steps. Overall feeling optimistic but the uncertainty is daunting at times.
2 -
@dahliasunset, welcome! We’re so sorry for the circumstances that brought you here, but we’re glad you found us. While you wait for more replies, here’s a link to our Just Diagnosed section, which may help answer some of your first questions. You’re not alone.
The Mods
0
