Imagine hearing the words ‘you have breast cancer.’ You are immediately thrown into a whirlwind of emotions, many beyond your immediate control.

You face uncertainty, which marks the beginning of the shared experiences faced by young women diagnosed with breast cancer. They encounter numerous challenges due to their age, affecting them well beyond the diagnosis and treatment. Breast cancer in women under 40 is often more aggressive, usually diagnosed at a later stage, and leads to poorer outcomes. Recent studies reveal rising breast cancer death rates among women in their 20s and 30s after years of decline.

So, what are these “different challenges?” A cancer diagnosis and treatment for women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s can mean:

• Long-term employment loss can lead to financial strains and a lack of support systems.
• Early menopause from breast cancer treatments may cause infertility and tough pregnancy choices.
• Increased physical and psychological effects can lead to sexual and relationship challenges.
• Body image issues post-surgery and treatment.
• Treatment side effects reduce the energy needed for parenting and careers.
• Potential long-term health impacts affecting well-being after a cancer diagnosis (e.g., bone density loss, heart damage, neuropathy, lymphedema).
• Fear of recurrence (termed “The Stalker”) triggered by physical or medical changes.

Don’t worry, there is good news!

• Technology and treatments continually improve to increase life span and quality of life.
• There are organizations like Here for the Girls (H4TG) that can help!

H4TG offers robust support for young women who face not just treatment but long-term cancer survivorship issues. We provide ways for these young women to connect with others like them who can offer understanding, information, and sisterhood so they can face (and conquer!) these challenges together. We call this “loving support.”

Yes, a cancer diagnosis comes with challenges. Still, one thing we have learned from years of experience working with women who have gone through this journey is that most come out on the other side with a new appreciation for the wonderful things and people in their lives.

Most women decide to try new things, change old habits, meet new people, and have new adventures. At H4TG, we call this "living life with an exclamation point instead of a period." We encourage it!