Why young women are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with cancer as young men

A new report from the American Cancer Society has uncovered a shocking and deeply concerning trend: young women under 50 are 82% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than their male peers. Let that sink in. For decades, cancer was seen as a disease of aging, but now it’s showing up earlier and, for women, far more frequently.

As a mother of five and cofounder of Motherly, this news hits close to home. It’s a wake-up call, not just for me, but for all of us navigating the demands of modern motherhood. We need to understand what’s behind this alarming trend—and what we can do about it.

Related: I was at high risk for breast cancer. Here’s what I decided to do about it

What’s driving this rise in cancer among young women?

The numbers show that breast and thyroid cancers are driving this increase. Together, these two types make up almost half of all cancer diagnoses in women under 50. Breast cancer, in particular, has seen a steady 1% annual rise in diagnoses, and younger women are being diagnosed with more aggressive forms of the disease.

What’s behind this trend? Experts believe it’s a mix of factors tied to modern lifestyles:

• Delayed Motherhood: Women are waiting longer to have children, and while this can open up incredible opportunities, it also changes the hormonal dynamics of our bodies. Early pregnancies and breastfeeding have long been associated with lower risks of certain cancers.
• Lifestyle Patterns: Alcohol consumption among women has risen sharply over the last decade, and it’s a known risk factor for breast cancer. Add in diets high in processed foods and a decrease in physical activity, and the risk compounds.
• Environmental Exposures: We’re learning more about how the chemicals in our environment—like endocrine disruptors—may be playing a role, especially when exposure happens over a lifetime.

Related: This little-known side effect impacts nearly 30% of women after breast cancer

Why this matters for mothers

As mothers, we often put ourselves last. We ignore the nagging symptoms, skip the check-ups, and put off addressing our health concerns because there’s always someone else who needs us more. But the reality is that early detection saves lives.

The Roark sisters, two women highlighted in CNN’s reporting on the study, learned this the hard way. Kiki, a mom of three, had to fight for months to convince her doctors to give her a mammogram at age 37 after experiencing breast pain. That mammogram revealed stage I breast cancer. Four years later, her older sister, Charmella, was diagnosed with the same disease during a routine screening. Both women are now cancer-free, but only because they advocated for themselves.

What you can do today

1. Know your family history. If breast cancer, thyroid cancer, or other cancers run in your family, share this with your doctor. It might mean starting screenings earlier or getting genetic testing.
   
2. Stay on top of screenings. While routine mammograms are generally recommended starting at 40, don’t wait to speak up if something doesn’t feel right. You know your body better than anyone else.
   
3. Make time for mom’s health. Exercise, a balanced diet, and limiting alcohol can lower your risk. But let’s be real—motherhood isn’t exactly conducive to meal prep and Pilates. So start small. Take a walk. Swap one glass of wine for herbal tea. It’s about progress, not perfection.
   
4. Advocate for change. It’s time for us to push for better research and healthcare policies that prioritize women’s unique health needs. From supporting new moms to addressing cancer risk factors, we deserve better.
   

Some hopeful news for mothers

The report does offer some hope: cancer survival rates are improving overall, thanks to earlier detection and better treatments. But as a generation of young women facing higher risks, we need to make our health a priority—not just for us, but for the families and futures we’re working so hard to build.

Moms, let’s make a pact to care for ourselves with the same love and energy we pour into everyone else. After all, our well-being is the foundation for everything we do. Let’s show our kids what it means to advocate for your health—and your life. 

Sources: 

1. Facts about cancer. American Cancer Society. 2025. “Text Alternative for 2025 Cancer Facts and Figures Infographic”
2. Breast cancer incidence and death rates. American Cancer Society. 2025. “Breast Cancer Incidence Still Rises and Death Rate Still Declines.”
3. Cancer in women. New York Post. 2025. “Women under 50 are 82% more likely to get cancer than men.”
4. Alcohol and breast cancer risk. Breast Cancer UK. 2025. “Alcohol and breast cancer” 
5. Young women and cancer. CNN Health. 2025. “Young women almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with cancer as young men, new report says.”