Rise in breast cancer among under-50s prompts call for new risk assessment

New analysis reveals a 5 per cent increase in breast cancer cases among women under 50 in just one year.

Charity CoppaFeel! states that younger individuals presenting with breast cancer symptoms are often "routinely dismissed" by healthcare professionals.

CoppaFeel! is advocating for a seven-minute risk assessment to be adopted, which would consider factors like family history to identify those needing earlier or more frequent breast screening.

The charity's report highlights that one in six breast cancer diagnoses are in people aged 49 and under, with diagnoses in people under 30 increasing by 78 per cent between 2001 and 2019.

The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged delays in diagnosis and care, outlining plans for faster diagnoses, personalised care plans from 2026 and removing age-based barriers to clinical trials.