Breast cancer cases in women under 50 rose 5 percent in one year

Breast cancer diagnoses among women aged 25 to 49 increased 5 percent from 2022 to 2023, according to analysis released by CoppaFeel!. The same data showed diagnoses in people under 30 rose 78 percent between 2001 and 2019. The charity stated that patients diagnosed under age 50 are nearly twice as likely to have late-stage cancer as those in their 60s.

People under 25 face more than double the likelihood of late-stage diagnosis compared with older groups.

CoppaFeel! said this age-based approach misses younger patients who may carry higher risk due to family history, genetic factors, or breast density. The charity called for a seven-minute risk assessment to be piloted in primary care. It also recommended that breast awareness questions be added to routine NHS appointments and that clinical trials include at least one in six participants under 50.

officials Sophie Dopierala-Bull, director of services and engagement at CoppaFeel!, said early diagnosis depends on whether young people know their bodies, feel confident seeking help, and are taken seriously by clinicians.

“We need screening based on risk, research that includes younger people, and a healthcare system that treats young people’s breast cancer as the urgent issue it is." — Sophie Dopierala-Bull, CoppaFeel! A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said the government is removing age-based barriers to clinical trials and will give all patients a personalised care plan from 2026 covering treatment, mental health, employment, and financial support.”