MONDAY, August 4, 2008 (Health.com) — Christina Applegate, the actress who played Kelly Bundy on the sitcom Married With Children from 1987 to 1997, has breast cancer and is undergoing treatment for it at age 36.
While breast cancer is rare in younger women, the disease can strike at any age. (Take our quiz to find out more about breast cancer risk factors.)
Applegate was diagnosed at an early, very treatable stage, according to Ame Van Iden, her publicist. “Benefiting from early detection through a doctor-ordered MRI, the cancer is not life-threatening,” Van Iden said in a statement. “Christina is following the recommended treatment of her doctors and will have a full recovery.”
Do most women need to worry about breast cancer in their 30s? “No,” says Debbie Saslow, PhD, director of breast and gynecologic cancer at the American Cancer Society, “unless they have a strong family history, and even then the risk is still low.”
Only 4% of women diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the United States are under 40, but that still represents 8,000 women, she says. “If a woman finds a lump, she still needs to go to a doctor and not be told, ‘You’re too young to have breast cancer.’”
In young women, breast cancer may be more advanced
While it’s less common, cancer in younger women can be more advanced (and potentially more aggressive) at diagnosis than it is in older women.
Khadijah Carter, 33, is a breast cancer survivor who discovered a lump at age 28. It took five months before her cancer was diagnosed.
Most lumps in younger women are benign, so they “are kind of dismissed or there is no sense of urgency to have follow-up tests,” says Carter, who is the diversity-and-programs manager for the Young Survival Coalition, a group that connects young breast cancer patients around the world to other survivors.
Carter’s cancer was at stage III when she was diagnosed, and she underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy at the time.
Due to denser breast tissue in younger women, and the rarity of cancer, most women without a family history of the disease don’t have routine mammograms in their 20s and 30s. (The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms for women starting at age 40).
Although there’s been some debate about the ability of breast self-exams to reduce mortality, they’re still a good idea if they are done properly, experts say. They are one of the few cancer-detection methods available to young women without a family history of the disease.
“Even women who are not diagnosed—know your body,” says Carter. She recommends that you “don’t take no for an answer. If you don’t feel comfortable with what your doctor is telling you, go for a second, third, or fourth opinion if you feel you need to.”
Family risk of breast cancer
Risk factors for early breast cancer include having a BRCA gene mutation. However, less than 10% of breast cancer is hereditary, according to Carter.
Women with a family history—a mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer, not a distant cousin—may need to begin routine screening earlier than age 40.
“Cancer is essentially a disease of aging, though [it] can and does occur in young women,” says Ann Partridge, MD, MPH, director of the Program for Young Women With Breast Cancer at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. “Outside of known hereditary predisposition—for example, BRCA–1 or –2 mutation carriers—it is usually not known why any given young woman gets the disease.”
Applegate’s mother was reported to have been diagnosed with breast and cervical cancers, “so she was probably being monitored,” says Carter. If you have a family history of the disease, the age when screening starts may vary as well as the type of test used.
Several tests are used to diagnose breast cancer, including:
• Mammograms
• Ultrasounds
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
If a woman has a family history of relatives with breast or ovarian cancer, she should get a whole genetic workup, according to Saslow. If you are found to be at high risk, you should start screening at age 30 and have both routine mammograms and MRIs, Saslow says.
Special concerns for younger breast cancer patients
If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, one of the first things you should do is assemble a good medical team, says Carter.
And she notes that younger women have several issues that differ from those of older women.
“A lot of young women are just at the beginning of their careers, maybe not married yet, or just newly married or have young children, so it’s a matter of dealing with intimacy and relationships, sexuality and body image, and fertility,” she says.
Carter recommends an organization called Fertile Hope for cancer patients who are concerned about posttreatment infertility. “I think that it’s important for young women to have information about freezing their eggs in case they want to have children after treatment,” she says.
Applegate is involved with breast cancer research and is scheduled to appear in a one-hour television special on September 5 called Stand Up to Cancer, which will raise funds for cancer research.
“I’m sorry to hear about her diagnosis,” says Carter. “Hopefully she’ll have a doctor who can treat the whole person and not just the disease.”
(PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES)
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Comments (48)
I think it will eventually be found that there’s a link between breast cancer in young women and singing professionally. ALL of the cases of breast cancers in celebrities under 40 have been singers or actresses that were trained singers.
I am 64 spanish woman. When I told my doctor to request an MRI 1996 – he did because of my previous recurrence. When the insurance co. denied it and requested more info from the dr. – the doctor refused to pursue it – he told me it was nothing – not to worry about it. In 1997 I had a recurrence and did chemo/radiation. If he would have rqstd the MRI IN 1996 – I would have caught it earlier. Change your doctors who are interested in well-being. I am 3-time survisor. Thank God – I am doing just fine – with the help of vitamins, antioxidants throughout the treatmens – eventhough the doctors said not to do it. But it turn out that the supplements contributed to my all neg subsequent MRI.
Thank you.
Christine – I’m sorry but that was a very uneducated comment to make. How can breast cancer possibly be related to singing? Please use common sense when commenting on these boards.
I am 36 and was diagnosed with breast cancer in January of this year. I do not have a family history of it so it was a huge shock. Also for anyone following the advice about contacting Fertile Hope, my husband and I did that because we don’t have any children and were trying for a baby when we found out about my cancer. Fertile Hope does not help pay for any fertility preservation options, they simply are “trying to get the word out there” that cancer treatments cause infertility. They may help put you in contact with clinics that will give you a slightly discounted rate on treatments, but you have to qualify for it and they won’t be jumping out of their chairs to help you. Wasn’t really impressed with them. BUT be sure, if you are pre-menopausal, that you talk to your oncologist about whether or not you want to preserve your fertility. Or better yet, speak to a fertility specialist. My experience is, and I live in Los Angeles with some of the best doctors, that oncologists don’t know very much about the fertility side of things.
And one more thing, my fertility specialist said that freezing eggs isn’t really a viable option at this time. They do not have the technology perfected yet for using frozen eggs to fertilize and the success rate is almost non-existent. Your best option is to freeze embryos even if you have to get a sperm donor. Also, I had a few oncologists tell me that if I was infertile after treatments, that I would not be able to carry a baby. This is also not true according to my fertility specialist.
breast cancer is caused by bad plastic = look under bottles for plastic number’s in triangle w/the number 3, 6, 7
hormones and steroids in our chicken, beef and milk which is banned by the EU and Canadian gov’t but allowed in the US
Whether it was a serious comment (in which case I laugh at the stupidity) or a sarcastic one (pointing to the stupidity of bad logic), Christine’s comment belongs in some hall of fame.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer last week at age 39. I am one of those that does everything “right.” I am a yoga instructor and eat very healthfully. The hardest part in all of my research is knowing who and what information to trust. I am afraid there has been a lot of progress in the treatment of breast cancer but still a large number of unknowns which makes decisions difficult. Gather your facts and do what is best for you. Namaste.
I am a 35 year old woman with breast cancer – gene negative – I wish Christina the best. At best it is a roller coaster ride and a challenge…at worst it is life altering and deeply humbling. Please, do self-exams and routine screenings. They saved my life.
It is somewhat misleading to state that her cancer is not life threatening, even if it is stage 0 DCIS and was caught early, it still is life threatening. Im sure all my sisters with stage 0 who re-occured would also agree. I was 36 when I was diagnosed with stage 1 triple negative, healthy and with no family history so this can happen to anyone. It was quite the shock and like Kat said above, deeply humbling. I just finished almost a year of treatment so I wish her luck and welcome to the club no one wants to join.
Oral contraceptives cause breast cancer. Read it, it’s in the patient information included in the pill and physicians desk reference. Unfortunately, Dr’s hand it out like candy, even to young girls. Pharmaceuticals (billion $/year industry), political lobbyists will never study why breast cancer has increased so dramatically in the past 40 years (as BCP use has risen). Find the cause!
Christine, aren’t most celebrities either singers or actresses? I don’t know many other celebs that are known for careers other than the above mentioned. I had to laugh at your statement. The CDC might be interested in hiring you to pilot a research study!
i think that it is awful to be at the age of 36 and have breast cancer. that is the year that you need to be free. this is the first celebrity that i know that has breast cancer. i just hope that i don’t get it because then i would be in the eleventh grade at the age of 16 and have breast cancer. i hope that it goes away for her and i hope that she lives for a very long life
As a 30 yr old mother of 4 diagnosed with breast cancer this past January, I can say that no matter what stage of breast cancer you have, it is hard to deal with and very humbling.
Diagnosed at age 34, BRCA positive, family history.
It’s misleading and inaccurate to say oral contraceptives, plastic, hormones and steroids cause bc. People need to be educated on the variables and personalities of tumors. Some tumors are not hormone receptive, some overexpress Her2. Targeted therapies are refining how we treat bc and eventually will be fine-tuned to be the most effective based on the pathology of the tumor. More effective treatment means higher survival rates. I’m sorry Christina has to deal with this, but early detection or not, cancer is always a threat to life and nothing is guaranteed. Knowing that and advocating for your own health is key to bettering your chances of survival.
I was 37 when I was told I had Stage IV breast cancer…. I was told my lump was a cyst and had nothing to worry about … that doctor was WRONG… YOUNG WOMEN CAN AND DO GET BREAST CANCER ! I am envolved with the young survivor coalition and attended the conference this year … over 800 women attended all under the age of 40… I am so glad Applegates cancer was caught early and she wasn’t misdiagnosed.. at least she can be cured from this disease unlike myself….
Dr.Saslow– I am disappointed, very disappointed that you implyed that women in their 30’s without a strong family history need not worry.
I was 39 when I found my tumor. It was already stage III. I have no family history. Neither did my 2 officemates (of a pool of 60 women) have a family history but yet have breast cancer under the age of 40—Are you trying to hide the fact that more and more women under the age of 40 are getting breast cancer?
More importanly, Why couldn’t you use your influence to have applauded any woman regardless of age for doing a self exam?
All women should become informed about IBC – inflammatory breast cancer. It does not symptomatically produce a lump. It does strike younger women. Look it up. Find out. Be informed. Live long and prosper.
I believe it was the large doses of peroxide back in the 80’s-90’s that caused Christina’s cancer. And maybe also standing to close to that troll David Faustino.
“so it’s a matter of dealing with intimacy and relationships, sexuality and body image,”
great article, except for the above quote. Those issues are important to older women and their partners as well. At 51 I just went through breast cancer treatment including chemotherapy and I was certainly concerned with the possible side effects of chemo on my libido, hair and energy. Luckily I went through treatment fairly well and life is good for me and my partner. Please do not discount us “older” folks when it comes to intimacy and relationships!
I forgot to mention, at 36, with or WITHOUT ta-ta’s, Christina is HAWT! Great eyes & smile.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 33 and found it myself by “feeling my boobies”. Though lately the effectiveness of “self-breast exams” has been in question…really the research is simply saying that women who know their bodies (those who “feel their boobies”) are just as likely to find lumps as those following the formal self-breast exam procedure. I founded the Feel Your Boobies Foundation in 2004 to help simplify this message in order to reach more young women in a more light hearted way. We’re so happy Christina found hers early and hope that it helps make other young women more aware as well. Check us out a http://www.feelyourboobies.com.
I was diagnosed with stage 1, triple negative, high grade breast cancer at age 25. I have no family history, and had no risk factors for the disease, but discovered the lump through a self-exam. I am 27 now, and have been in remission for a year and a half thanks to a great team of doctors that listened to me from the outset, and approached my treatment agressively. Since my diagnosis, I have come in contact with more and more younger women (under 30) who have had to battle breast cancer. It is extremely important that younger women do not take their health for granted, and recognize that breast cancer in women under 40 is not as rare as it is made out to be. Feel Your Boobies and the Young Survival Coalition are great resources for finding more information about young women and breast cancer, and for finding other women who have fought through this experience. I wish Christina the best.
Christina, stop by after the show.
I’d like to share a positive story with the young women dealing with breast cancer. I am 56. TWENTY-ONE years ago, at age 35, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was treated with a lumpectomy and radiation; chemo was not standard at the time. My children were 3 1/2 and 9 months old. [As an aside, for those of you dealing with fertility concerns, both of our children were adopted prior to my diagnosis.] I did not believe I would live to see them grow up. I did. I am incredibly lucky, but I also had the “luck” of great doctors and a wonderful family and great friends. I had a recurrence at the 5 year mark, at age 40, and a new breast cancer 5 1/2 years ago, at age 50. But the important part of this story is I AM FINE. Life does return to normal. It’s different, but it’s fabulous.
Mick, forget it, you’re an old crippled man.
Be wary of HRT – I had no family history of breast cancer whatsoever, now I have made family history for my daughter and her children. My tumor was HER2 Nu which means highly aggressive cancer and greater chance of recurrence. Since Jan. 07 I have had 8 chemo’s, 36 radiations, and by Dec. 08 will have completed a regimen of herceptin infusions every 3 weeks. Gee, now all I have to do is take Arimidex for 5 years! Good luck to anyone out there with a breast cancer diagnosis!
Like Linda See, I also had no family history of breast cancer. I took HRT on the advice of my OB/GYN who said it would help prevent osteoporosis, a real problem in my family, and was not found to be “a statistically significant cause of breast cancer.” Well, I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer last year, and for me the statistical significance was 100%. I underwent a mastectomy and am now taking Arimidex. How ironic that I took the HRT to avoid osteoporosis and am now on a medication that is known to cause bone loss. I’ve gone full circle and have had cancer and lost a breast in the process. I pray for all of us who are or will become part of what I call the Pink Ribbon Sisterhood. Christina, you’ll get through it, but you’ll never take your good health or a day of your life for granted again.
I pray for Christina and all the other women stricken with this dreadful diease. I was 31 when dxed with Stage 2b invasive breast cancer. Now at 34 I am stage for mestastic breast cancer with bone mestases.
I am so sick and tired of doctors saying that this is and age diease unless you have a strong family history. I didn’t have a strong family history and after my brac I and II test it was discovered it wasn’t heridatery. I want the doctors to get into the 21st century that this diease is now showing that it isn’t so rare in younger women and more screening and education should be done to prevent younger women in having advanced cases due to NEGLECT. The Mamogram does not work in women under 35 so I thinkg that the Breast MRI should be mandatory in women over 25 every two or three years.
Again, I pray for all my sisters in this breast cancer fight. If we all stand up together hopefully we can come up with the cure or at least a standing chance of survival.
Thanks and god bless.
I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer at age 43. I had a Lumpectomy and Radiation treatments for 7 weeks. I’ve been cancer-free for 5 1/2 years.
I am 49 now and I recently have been diagnosed with DCIS Stage 0. My doctor’s, radiologists, and oncologists at Shand’s Hospital in Gainesville, Fl are having a meeting on Monday for all their cancer patients upcoming surgery procedures. They discuss all the cases, then decide as a “Team” to make a final decision on which is the best surgery procedure for the patient. I am one of those patients. I trust all the staff at the Shand’s Hospital. First, God saved my life, then they saved my life!
I will probably have the Mastectomy, then followed by the Flap Reconstuction of both of my breasts. The first time I had cancer it was in the left side, the second time, it was on the right side. I will not go through it a third time!!
It is best for me and my body, health wise, to get rid of the problem permanently!!!
I’ll keep Christina in my prayers. I pray that she has a speedy and healthy recovery.
Im surprised whit the new! Im 22 years old and i start thinking if I should have a litle more care whit me…
I was dignosed with Breast cancer yesterday.I’m 43 years old.I’ve always had good health.Along with the Cancer,1 month ago they found a tumor on my upper thoriasic T-3 level of my back, they say it doesnt look cancerous, and surgery for that will have to be put off for now. I’m in shock right now, don’t know know how to really feel about it, you know?I feel so old, and I fight the tears alot…..and I Pray all the time….and I will Pray for all of you too.WE HAVE TO SURVIVE THIS !!!!!
im sure she feels that way and with bc u never know.
who would have known that selenium is such a good treatment for bc. especially if used with flax seed and cq10 and vitamin d
Who knows what causes cancer – cancer of any kind? I believe it’s everywhere. Chemicals in our food, chemicals in our water, chemicals in the air and on the land! Every day we hear about this or that causing cancer! I am a 5 year survivor of breast cancer. I had 4 rounds of chemo and 37 radiation treatments. It’s not easy for anyone stricken with this terrible disease. All we can do is keep informed, follow the latest news and technology and pray for each other. To all my bosom buddies, keep the faith; be proud to be a warrior! Love and prayers to all of you.
I can sure relate to BC because I lost my sister to BC 2 years ago July 10/2006. She left behind 2 daughters. My other sisters and I have raised over $24,000.00 dollars Towards BC for The Weekend To End Breast Cancer (60 Kolometers)Walk over the past 2 years.
Self examination I just cannot stress that enough. It is so vital that we as women do this on a regular basis.
The Walk is an amazing one you learn so much about other peoples stories and how they are trying to beat this Insidious Diesease.
I truly do wish you all the best Christina on your treatment. You and all women who are in this position, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lorraine Robbie/Canada.
I can’t believe some of the comments as to what causes cancer etc. But to each their own. I was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer in 2001, mastectomy was done but no chemo or radiation. Two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with metastasized breast cancer in both lungs and is at Stage IV – incurable – but they can slow it down. Had the doctors done chemo when I was first diagnosed this may not have occurred. Ladies (and men as well) – push for full treatments – this is your life that some doctors are playing around with. Ask lots of questions, talk to your oncologist and demand answers to your questions. You have the right.
I was diagnosed with bc at age 58. Again, no history of bc in my family. I had a mammogram and was told “it is just a cyst” (probably because I had no history of bc in the family). They’ll do another mammogram in 6 months. BUT foolish me, I waited 6 months and of course is was bc. Thankfully, it did not spread, but I was advised to get a double mastectomy. After three medical opinions, I opted for the double…and radiation, but chose not to do chemo. I’m a 3-yr. survisor on Sept. 4th and PRAY (always did anyway)that God will keep me healthy. I saw Christina on GMA this morning and admire her for being so honest about her treatment. I don’t know of any celebrity who would admit to such a tramatic surgery. Get the reconstruction (I did) and love those new boobies!!
An important resource for those at risk for hereditary breast cancer is the FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered website, http://www.facingourrisk.org. The Director, Sue Freidman, is one of the most credible sources of expert information on this topic. She is an 11 year breast cancer survivor and BRCA carrier. Additionally, she is a tireless advocate for ensuring informed decision-making for those at risk for hereditary cancer.
I heard you this morning on GMA. I think it is great that you are starting a fund to help with MRI’s. I think of it for my girls. My Mother had breast cancer and so did her sister. I also am a breast cancer survivor of 13 years. I also had a mastectomy. I am 64 years old. Raising money to help with MRI’s is so great. I would gladly give what i could to help.I am so glad you are now cancer free. God bless you.
Christina, I am so sorry for your condition and hope that your recovery will spirt others in being as positive about life as you have always been. I have always been a fan of you as a actor but now im more a fan of you as a woman since you will not just lay down and cry but fights for what she wants in life.
Christine,
I want to express my sincere sympathy to you. I my self at 35 underwent a double mastectomy after having cancer in only one breast. After it came back for the second time I decided to take matters into my own hands as you will. I am still going through drama concerning my reconstruction, but wish you all the very best, and please remember it is worth it. And most important keep smiling it can’t beat you.
Breast cancer can strike at any age. As my oncologist explained, we all have the cancer cells in our bodies. For some reason still not completely know, in some people they go crazy and multiply and multiply. In other people they remain dorment. Everyone person is completely different. No one person has the exact same body chemistry. We all eat differently, exercise differently, etc. The best we all can do is to educate yourself. You must be your own advocate when it come to your health. If you suspect something see your doctor. It you feel he does not take you seriously, go to someone else. In 2003, I thought I had a spider bite on my right breast. I went to my family doctor and for 4 week treated me with antibiotics. Things improved a little but the redness did not go completely away. I finally decided enough was enough. I went to another doctor. He took one look at my breast and said to my husband and I, she most likely has breast cancer. Within 5 days, I had a hard core biopsy and a skin biopsy. I had DCIS stage one and Inflammatory Breast Cancer, stage IV. I had 8 treatments every other week of 4 different combinations of chemo. Then I had a double mastectomy. Then I had 33 treatments of radiation.
So make sure your get your regular check up and do your self exams. It can save your life.
At the Emmys, the announcer said that Christina Applegate had had a double mastectomy, I thought this was an incorrect statement, I thought she was recovering. Please clarify. than you
Christina I wish you well. I understand what you are going though. Just remember that everything happens for a reason. You may not understand it while you are going though it, but some day it will be clear. Maybe it was meant for you to give young women a voice. I had stage one breast cancer at age 32. I attended the Cancer support groups and found that most of the women were in their 40’s and 50’s. They would look at me and could not believe that I was so young. AT age 32 the recommended treatment was a lumpectomy / radiation and chemo. A Mastectomy was an option but was not encouraged because of my age. I was told that my chances of having to go though it again would be very slim. I am now 48 and was diagnosed with breast cancer again in the same breast. (I wish I had had the mastectomy at age 32) This time the doctors recommended a mastectomy in that breast. I did not have the gene. I choose a double mastectomy with reconstruction using my own tissue. This was the best thing for me. I had chemo and I will be taking estrogen blockers medication for 5 years. I still believe that if I had had access to enough information back then I would have chosen a mastectomy at age 32 and would not be going though this again at age 48. Information is power. Best of luck to you.
BREAST CANCER WILL BE CURED! I BELIEVE IN MY HEART THAT SOON THERE WILL BE A VACCINE TO PREVENT IT. I WILL SOON BE A 4 YEAR SURVIVOR OF STAGE 2 BREAST CANCER. IT WAS A RUDE AWAKENING, BUT ALL THINGS DO WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD WHEN WE GIVE IT TO THE LORD. I AM A BETTER PERSON BECAUSE OF THIS HUMBLING EXPERIENCE.
HRT IS ONE CAUSE OF THIS DREADFUL DISEASE AND MY DOCTOR RECCOMENDED ME TO TAKE IT FOREVER!! I THINK IT CAUSED MY CANCER AND I HOPE OTHER WOMEN LEAVE HRT ALONE.
MAY GOD HELP THE MEDICAL PROFESSION FIND A CURE FOR THIS DREADFUL DISEASE. WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!
***** NOVEMBER 1, 2008 *****
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Christina, Bless your heart! I was diagnosed about the same time you were. I have triple negative breast cancer. Those diagnosed are our sisters we can make a difference if we stay informed about this cancer and most of all pray!
Welcome to the club . 12-27-06 was the date I joined.
Stage 1, grade 3, triple negative, and thank God NO nodes involved!!Lumpectomy,4 rounds of Chemo and only 25 rounds of radiation.However blue dye tracer for SNB produced trauma indudced fatty tissue necrosis.So YES Blessed I’m ca free. Starting my surgeries again soon to rid of the necrosis and start reconstruction again.Eight attemts last year and two the previous year. God is my strength ! My prayers and thoughts are with you. Stay strong!!