Health Tip of the Week, sponsored by Baton Rouge General: More women under 50 are getting breast cancer

New data shows that certain kinds of cancer are being diagnosed more often in younger adults, and the increases seem to be driven by cancers in younger women. Researchers have found that breast cancer had the highest number of early-onset cases, which is those under 50 years old. Uterine cancer also saw a 76% increase in diagnosis rates. The reason for the increase is likely related to lifestyle factors including being overweight, increased alcohol use or using hormonal birth control long-term. If you’re 40 or older, or if you are younger and at a higher risk, talk to your doctor about when to schedule a mammogram. Learn more about breast cancer in women under 50.