Breast Cancer Screening for Women at Higher-Than-Average Risk: Updated Recommendations From the ACR

Monticciolo et. al. J Am Coll Radiol. S1546-1440(23)00334-4, 2023.

Early detection plays a crucial role in reducing breast cancer mortality. The American College of Radiology (ACR) advises annual screening for women of average risk starting at age 40. Women at higher-than-average risk are recommended to undergo earlier and/or more intensive screening, with breast MRI being the preferred supplemental screening method for most of them. For women with genetics-based increased risk, lifetime risk of 20% or more, or those exposed to chest radiation at young ages, MRI surveillance should begin between ages 25 to 30, along with annual mammography (with the starting age for mammography varying between 25 and 40, depending on the type of risk).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37150275/

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Updates Mammography Regulations.

Numerous studies have consistently demonstrated the importance of breast density as a potential risk factor for breast cancer and its significance in guiding clinical decisions made by oncologists. The Food and Drug Administration recently announced a regulatory update, slated to take effect within 18 months, mandating breast-density reporting as part of new mammography quality standard guidelines. Patients with dense breasts are strongly encouraged to engage in open discussions with their healthcare providers to understand their situation and associated risks fully. Despite the challenges posed by breast density, mammograms remain the most effective tool for breast cancer screening.
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-updates-mammography-regulations-require-reporting-breast-density-information-and-enhance

“Could this be cancer?” Addressing Diagnostic Delay Disparities in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer through Targeted Awareness and Mitigation of Barriers to Help-seeking Behaviors.

Larsen, L. V. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology Research and Practice 5(1), DOI: 10.1097/OR9.0000000000000092, January – March 2023.

This commentary discusses a growing trend of Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) and their unique challenges with a particular focus on misdiagnosis, diagnostic delays, barriers in seeking timely help, the role of educational programs in promoting awareness, and what needs to be done to minimize disparities among survivors from different age-groups.

Oncobiology and Treatment of Breast Cancer in Young Women.

Kumar et al., Cancer Metastasis Reviews 41(3):749-770, 2022.

This article critically reviews progress made in our understanding of tumor biology and genomics of breast cancer in younger women from a global perspective. This article also brings out a set of continuing gaps in our knowledge about the molecular basis of BCYW’s aggressiveness. It reviews the possible contribution of regulatory cross-talks among the adiposity and immune components, growth factors, ovarian hormones, and extrinsic risk factors. The authors summarize a list of understudied areas of research and treatment and postulate the expected advances in breast cancer in younger women’s research in the coming decade.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35488982/

ESO-ESMO Fifth International Consensus Guidelines for Breast Cancer in Young Women (BCY5).

Paluch-Shimon et al., Annals of Oncology 33(11):1097-1118, 2022.

This meeting report summarizes a set of consensus recommendations for the efficient management of younger breast cancer patients and research priorities for the benefit of this group of patients.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35934170/

“I Think it is a Powerful Campaign and Does a Great Job of Raising Awareness in Young Women”: Findings From Breast Cancer Awareness campaigns Targeting Young Women in Canada.

Larsen L. Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal 32(1):61-67, 2022.

This grass-roots study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured breast cancer awareness campaign for young women by the Team Shan Breast Cancer Awareness for Young Women (Team Shan). Specifically, the program focused on younger women aged 17-29 on 11 college and university campuses over six years. Interestingly, the group was successful in securing the completion of evaluation questionnaires from pre- (n = 880) or post- (n = 794) campaign participants. The article concludes the importance of the outcome in strengthening public health awareness programs for targeted age-group younger women.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35280071/