Young Women and Breast Cancer

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (KFSN) -- Over the past few years, there has been an increase in the number of young women, age 25 to 39, diagnosed with breast cancer. The diagnosis of breast cancer can be shocking for anyone, but for younger women facing this battle it brings up many questions and concerns that affect the entire family.

Yolanda Jenkins and her wife Deanna enjoy playing scrabble with their two daughters. But Yolanda couldn't find the right words when she received a shocking diagnosis from her doctor.

"He told me I had breast cancer," Yolanda told Ivanhoe.

At age 31, Yolanda and her family faced an uncertain future.

"My kids were the first thing that came to my head, whether or not I could make it for them," detailed Yolanda.

Thomas Samuel, M.D., a breast oncologist at Cleveland Clinic Florida in Fort Lauderdale, said, "You just don't see someone who is 31 with breast cancer." (Read Full Interview)

Dr. Samuel said only about two percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer are under 40.

"But when women of that age get diagnosed there are some different issues that we have to address," explained Dr. Samuel.

One of the main concerns for many is preserving fertility. Treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can have an impact.

Dr. Samuel said, "Have the conversation, you know, what can I do to preserve my eggs, to preserve my fertility."

Young moms like Yolanda also struggle with telling their children about their diagnosis.

However, Dr. Samuel told Ivanhoe, "Children are incredibly resilient. So most people are surprised when they do finally have that conversation, how supportive they are."

Another big concern younger women face is body image. Yolanda chose to have a bilateral mastectomy to reduce her risk of recurrence. It's been a difficult journey but she's learned to love herself in the process.

"I feel good and I'm glad I didn't give up," said Yolanda, who is inspiring breast cancer patients of all ages to never stop fighting.

Great news! Yolanda finished her cancer treatment and is doing great. If you would like to assess your risk of developing breast cancer in your lifetime go to https://www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool/