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  1. Home
  2. Information and support
  3. Facing breast cancer

Breast cancer in younger women

Support for younger women (under 45)

Breast cancer affects young women in many ways - from diagnosis and treatment to fertility and concerns for children, family and friends. Breast cancer is less common in younger women (under the age of 45) than in older women, so being diagnosed at this age can be very isolating. 

Our information and support services are dedicated to younger women's specific needs.

Find support at a Younger Women Together event
When I started chemotherapy, I didn’t really know anyone in the same boat as me. I attended one of Breast Cancer Now’s Younger Women Together events in Manchester. I was looking for a few answers to my questions, but most of all wanted to make contact with other women in my situation.

Kreena, Younger Women Together event attendee

Read more about fertilityand breast cancer

Will breast cancer affect my fertility?

Some treatments, such as chemotherapy, can affect your ability to become pregnant. Find out more about fertility and breast cancer and planning pregnancy after breast cancer treatment.

Fertility and pregnancy

Diagnosis and treatment

Find out more about your diagnosis

I have just been diagnosed

Find information on talking to your family and dealing with your diagnosis.

Read more

I am going through treatment

Read more about the different types of treatment and their side effects.

Read about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer

Have I got breast cancer?

Learn about the signs and symptoms and risk factors of breast cancer.

Liz
Because of my age the doctor suggested I have a test to see whether I had an altered BRCA gene, which significantly increases the risk of breast cancer. I had already been diagnosed, so it was an easy decision to get the test. But I understand that the decision may not be so easy for others, especially if they haven't had a diagnosis.

Liz, diagnosed aged 21

Genes and family history

Genes and family history

Find information about genes and breast cancer, whether you have concerns about your family history or have been diagnosed with an altered BRCA gene.

Find out about genes

Person reading a printed booklet

Meet other young women with breast cancer

Whether you're going through treatment or if you're trying to find your new 'normal' afterwards, you can get information from medical professionals and meet others who know how you feel at our Younger Women Together events across the country.

Search our events

Finding support

Becca app

Moving forward with Becca

Our free app has tips and personal stories to help you move forward after treatment.

Find out more

Email our breast care nurses

Email any question, big or small, to our team of nurses.

Call our free Helpline

Call our Helpline

Our free Helpline is open to you and your family.

Secondary breast cancer support

Younger women with secondary breast cancer

Meet other women under 45 who've been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. You'll have the chance to talk, share and be yourself, away from the pressures of everyday life. There are events throughout the year as well as meet ups for all ages.

Support for secondary

Speak to people like me

Join our Forum

Find support on our Forum

Find support from others who know how you feel.

Speak to someone like you

Speak to a trained volunteer

We'll put you in touch with a young woman who's had a similar experience.

Speak to other young women on Facebook

Chat privately on Facebook

Join a safe space online in the Younger Breast Cancer Network, run by young women with breast cancer.

Find support as a young woman with breast cancer
I met some wonderful women at the event. I have come to realise through my treatment that the human spirit of kindness and care is a very special medicine, and can make such a difference. Breast Cancer Now makes sure that this is available to everyone.

Lucy, Younger Women Together event attendee

Fundraise for younger women

The Lavender Trust at Breast Cancer Now raises money specifically to fund information and support for younger women with breast cancer. It is the only fund in the UK dedicated to addressing the particular needs of this age group.

 

Find out more

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Breast Cancer Now is a company limited by guarantee registered in England (9347608) and a charity registered in England and Wales (1160558), Scotland (SC045584) and Isle of Man (1200). Registered Office: Fifth Floor, Ibex House, 42-47 Minories, London EC3N 1DY.