Breast Cancer in Young Women Foundation (BCYWF)

#HerBreastCareInsights – Post 139 🧬 New insights into how pregnancy and breastfeeding protect against breast cancer It’s long been known that parity and breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer, particularly triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) — but the reason why remains not fully understood, including an explanation based on immune mechanisms. *A new study reveals that pregnancy, followed by lactation and involution, drives a powerful CD8⁺ T cell response in breast tissue. These immune cells, including those with a tissue-resident memory (TRM)-like phenotype, accumulate in the mammary gland and help control tumor growth. In mouse models, this effect was only seen after completing a full reproductive cycle — pregnancy, lactation, and involution. When CD8⁺ T cells were depleted experimentally, the protective effect disappeared, underscoring their essential role. Consistent with these findings, breast tumors from women who had given birth showed higher T cell infiltration and better clinical outcomes, suggesting that reproductive history can shape long-term breast immunity. Spanning preclinical models and data from over 1,000 patient samples, this research offers a new perspective on how the immune system “remembers” pregnancy — positioning CD8⁺ T cells as key players in pregnancy-associated protection against TNBC. #BCYWFoundation #BCYWF #BreastCancerResearch #BreastCancerAwareness  #WomensHealth #CancerPrevention *For complete details, read: Virassamy, B., Caramia, F., Savas, P. et al. Parity and lactation induce T cell mediated breast cancer protection. Nature (2025). https://lnkd.in/gT3GhkHG

#HerBreastCareInsights – Post 138 New Research: Breastfeeding protects against infant inflammation through metabolic pathways Inflammation in early life can have lasting effects on health. *A new study, “The protective effect of breastfeeding on infant inflammation: a mediation analysis of the plasma lipidome and metabolome,” sheds light on how breastfeeding supports infant health beyond its nutritional benefits. Using data from the Barwon Infant Study (BIS), researchers examined the relationships between breastfeeding, infection burden, and inflammation—alongside detailed metabolomic and lipidomic profiles in over 800 infants. *Representative Key findings: ·      Breastfed infants showed lower inflammation (measured via GlycA) and fewer infections. ·      Breastfeeding was linked to favourable shifts in lipid and metabolite profiles, particularly plasmalogens—lipids known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. ·      There was evidence of bidirectional mediation: breastfeeding influenced inflammation partly through these metabolites and lipids, while inflammation also shaped certain metabolic responses. Why it matters These findings deepen understanding of how breastfeeding protects infants from inflammation and infection—highlighting potential biomarkers and biological pathways that could inform future nutrition and early-life health strategies. #BCYWFoundation #BCYWF #Breastfeeding #InfantHealth #Inflammation #Metabolomics *For details, read: Burugupalli, S., et al. The protective effect of breastfeeding on infant inflammation: a mediation analysis of the plasma lipidome and metabolome. BMC Medicine. https://lnkd.in/g847Td9N

#HerBreastCareInsights – Post 137 BCYW Foundation promoted Breast Cancer Awareness and Risk Factors in Young Women—Empowering Healthcare Trainees, Professionals, and Staff at DHR Health in Rio Grande Valley, Texas, on October 11, 2025.   As part of October's campaign, the BCYW Foundation raises targeted awareness about breast health and breast cancer among trainees, faculty, and healthcare and educational staff at DHR Health in the Rio Grande Valley of Southern Texas. *The DHR Health Continuing Medical Education Department hosted the Breast Cancer Symposium on Saturday, October 11, at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, offering a comprehensive daylong program from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, and students. In addition to Dr. Rakesh Kumar, the event featured nationally recognized expert speakers such as Dr. Anees Chagpar, Dr. V. Suzanne Klimberg, Dr. Monica Morrow, and Dr. Kristi Funk—also a global ambassador of the BCYW Foundation—https://lnkd.in/gGf8NWpN. The symposium covered key topics like genetics, breast cancer in young women, lifestyle factors, and advances in treatment, surgery, and breast reconstruction. The discussions throughout the day reinforced core messages: breast health awareness should be a year-round commitment; young women can and do develop breast cancer; prevention and early detection begin with timely awareness and self-care; and empowering young women with knowledge can create a lasting impact on women’s health and survival rates. Visit: https://lnkd.in/gqjeA_6f *https://lnkd.in/gKDFiqiq

#HerBreastCareInsights - Post 136 Rethinking Breast Cancer: The Hidden Burden of Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Among its subtypes, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) are well recognized. In contrast, invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) remains a uniquely challenging subtype to detect clinically due to its distinct biological and morphological features. *New national data from the NCI and CDC highlight essential trends: ·      In 2021, ILC incidence was 14 per 100,000 women, accounting for 10.6% of all breast cancer diagnoses. ·      Rates increased from 2012–2021 across all racial and ethnic groups — from +2.5% annually in American Indian/Alaska Native women to +4.4% annually in Asian American/Pacific Islander women. ·      White women had the highest overall incidence (14.7/100k), followed by Black women (11/100k). Among women under 50, American Indian/Alaska Native women had the second-highest rates. ·      Survival: ILC outcomes are slightly higher than ductal carcinoma for the first 7 years post-diagnosis but decline for regional and distant-stage disease — likely reflecting its unique metastatic pattern. Why this matters ILC’s distinct biology can delay detection, limit treatment response, and worsen outcomes for advanced disease. Recognizing ILC as a separate entity in research and clinical trials is essential to: ✅ Identify unique risk factors ✅ Optimize treatment strategies ✅ Advance understanding of metastatic behavior ✅ Improve outcomes for the growing number of women affected *For details and complete results, read: Angela N. Giaquinto et al., Lobular breast cancer statistics, 2025, V131(20), 15 October 2025, e70061

#HerBreastCareInsights - Post 135 Myosteatosis—the infiltration of fat into skeletal muscle—is linked to advanced stage and tumor characteristics in young women with breast cancer. Understanding how body composition impacts cancer progression is a growing and significant focus in oncology research. *A recent cross-sectional study explored this link in young women (ages 20–40) newly diagnosed with ductal invasive breast cancer (stages I–IV). *Study Objective and Methods The research aimed to examine the link between myosteatosis—the infiltration of fat into skeletal muscle—and indicators of disease severity in young female breast cancer patients. Myosteatosis, even when overall muscle mass seems maintained, may indicate subtle metabolic and inflammatory changes that could influence tumor biology and clinical outcomes. The study involved 190 women from two oncology centers. All participants had abdominal CT scans, and images of the third lumbar vertebra (L3) were analyzed for imaging biomarkers and linked to clinical stage (TNM I–IV) and molecular subtypes (triple-negative, luminal B, ER2-HER2+). *Examples of Key Findings Median participant age: 35 years (IQR 31–37). 69.5% were diagnosed with stage III–IV disease. Patients with advanced-stage cancer exhibited a significantly higher frequency of myosteatosis, as reflected by elevated IMAT levels (P = 0.003). A higher IMAT was independently associated with increased odds of presenting at stage III–IV (adjusted OR: 2.5; 95% CI 1.1–5.6). When molecular subtypes were evaluated, higher SMD (denser muscle) correlated inversely with aggressive profiles such as luminal B and ER2-HER2+ tumors. Clinical Implications: These findings highlight the importance of assessing myosteatosis in young breast cancer patients. Even when total muscle mass looks normal, fat infiltration in muscle tissue could be a biomarker of more aggressive disease. This emphasizes the need to integrate quantitative body composition analysis into cancer evaluation and prognosis models. *For details, read: Costa-Pereira, et al. Myosteatosis is associated with advanced TNM stage and tumor features in young females with breast cancer. BMC Cancer 25, 1576 (2025).

#HerBreastCareInsights - Post 134 🎗️ Empowering Young Women, Advancing Global Awareness The Breast Cancer in Young Women (BCYW) Foundation is proud to announce its continued partnership with Team Shan, Canada, launching a global shared campaign focused on educating the public, healthcare professionals, and young women about the importance of early detection, risk reduction, and prevention of breast cancer. https://lnkd.in/gWsYM_Se 🤝 Team Shan, a prominent Canadian organization dedicated to breast cancer advocacy and education, aims to empower young women through awareness campaigns and public health initiatives. As Global Ambassador for the BCYW Foundation, Team Shan President Lorna Larsen continues to emphasize the importance of self-breast care and early detection. Her leadership has been key in raising awareness, increasing early detection rates, and improving outcomes for young women affected by breast cancer. The shared campaign between the BCYW Foundation and Team Shan highlights how collaboration can promote breast cancer awareness and education,” said Rakesh Kumar, Founder and CEO of the BCYW Foundation. “Together, we are inspiring young women with the knowledge and tools they need to lower risks, detect breast cancer early, and ultimately save lives. 🌍 With a presence in 29 countries, the BCYW Foundation stays committed to its mission to provide young women worldwide with life-saving information. The BCYW Foundation invites individuals, communities, and organizations everywhere to join us in this vital effort. Together, we can create a lasting impact. 💕 #BCYWF #BCYWFoundation #TeamShan #BreastCancerAwareness #EarlyDetection #YoungWomen #BreastHealthEducation #BreastCancerPrevention #WomenEmpowerment

#HerBreastCareInsights - Post 134 🎗️ Empowering Young Women, Advancing Global Awareness The Breast Cancer in Young Women (BCYW) Foundation is proud to announce its continued partnership with Team Shan, Canada — Launching a global shared campaign focused on educating the public, healthcare professionals, and young women about the importance of early detection, risk reduction, and prevention of breast cancer. https://lnkd.in/gWsYM_Se 🤝 Team Shan, a prominent Canadian organization dedicated to breast cancer advocacy and education, aims to empower young women through awareness campaigns and public health initiatives. As Global Ambassador for the BCYW Foundation, Team Shan President Lorna Larsen continues to emphasize the importance of self-breast care and early detection. Her leadership has been key in raising awareness, increasing early detection rates, and improving outcomes for young women affected by breast cancer. The shared campaign between the BCYW Foundation and Team Shan highlights how collaboration can promote breast cancer awareness and education,” said Rakesh Kumar, Founder and CEO of the BCYW Foundation. “Together, we are inspiring young women with the knowledge and tools they need to lower risks, detect breast cancer early, and ultimately save lives. 🌍 With a presence in 29 countries, the BCYW Foundation stays committed to its mission to provide young women worldwide with life-saving information. We invite individuals, communities, and organizations everywhere to join us in this vital effort. Together, we can create a lasting impact. 💕 #BCYWF #BCYWFoundation #TeamShan #BreastCancerAwareness #EarlyDetection #YoungWomen #BreastHealthEducation #BreastCancerPrevention #WomenEmpowerment

#HerBreastCareInsights - Post 133 Screening Women with Dense Breasts: Navigating Challenges and Options for Cancer Detection Dense breast tissue both raises the risk of breast cancer and makes tumors more difficult to detect on mammograms. Although some doctors share this information, there is no consensus on recommending additional screenings like 3D mammography, ultrasound, or MRI. *A prospective, multicenter trial (2017–2022) assessed Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI) as an extra tool alongside digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) in women with dense breasts—a group where cancers can often be hidden on standard mammograms. *Examples of Key Findings: ·     Participants: 2,978 women, with a mean age of 56.8, who had dense breasts and an average lifetime Tyrer-Cuzick risk of 12%. ·     Year 1: Cancer detection increased from 5.0‰ with DBT alone to 11.8‰ with DBT plus MBI. Detection of invasive cancer rose from 3.0‰ to 7.7‰, representing a 2.5-fold increase. ·     Year 2: Additional MBI increased detection from 5.8‰ to 9.3‰ overall, and invasive cancer detection from 1.5‰ to 3.9‰. ·     Unique MBI detections: 29 cancers were identified solely through MBI; 72% were invasive, 90% were node-negative, and six cases involved advanced cancers. Takeaway: Adding MBI to standard DBT may enhance invasive cancer detection in women with dense breasts while keeping recalls at manageable levels. This supports a more personalized approach to breast cancer screening for those at higher risk. #BCYWFoundation #BCYWF #BreastCancer #Radiology #BreastImaging #WomenInHealth #DenseBreasts #CancerDetection *For details and complete results, read: Hruska, C. B., et al. (2025) Molecular Breast Imaging and Digital Breast Tomosynthesis for Dense Breast Screening: The Density MATTERS Trial. Radiology. https://lnkd.in/gzMbPS2E

#HerBreastCareInsights – Post 132 BCYW Foundation: Turning “Why Me?” into Strength, Support & Research for Young Women Breast cancer in young women, aged 18–40, brings unique challenges that go far beyond medical treatment. For young patients and their families, the journey often includes profound personal, psychological, and social challenges. Young patients and their families usually face the haunting question: “Why me?” - considering that the majority of BCYW are not linked with a family history. The BCYW Foundation was created to turn that question into action — offering strength, support, and research to help young women navigate the uncertainties of early breast cancer.   Breast cancer is increasingly affecting women under 39 in the US and worldwide, with WHO data predicting a sharp rise by 2050. By 2040, the average age at diagnosis is expected to be just 33–34.33 years—meaning, “Today’s 18-year-old is tomorrow’s at-risk woman,” said Prof. Rakesh Kumar, the Founder and CEO of the BCYW Foundation. “We must dismantle the misconception that breast cancer is only a disease of older women. Eighty-five percent of cases are not linked to family history—timely awareness and proactive self-care are key for prevention and early detection.” In a significant step for women’s health on campuses, the BCYW Foundation has launched the Youth Council for Breast Health (YCBH, https://ycbh.org/)—a student-led sustainable initiative aimed at combating the rising incidence of breast cancer among young women and empowering them with knowledge to ensure a future free from breast cancer. For Details: https://lnkd.in/dPubvxfU

#HerBreastCareInsights – Post 131 Breast Cancer Recurrence: Can Virus Infections Activate Dormant Breast Cancer Cells? Breast cancer recurrence—or coming back—is driven by many factors. One key culprit? Dormant cancer cells quietly “sleep” in organs like the lungs, bones, and liver. These cells can stay hidden for years, making recurrence unpredictable. *New research shows that infections trigger inflammation that can “wake up” dormant breast cancer cells in the lungs, driving rapid metastasis. Recurrence in Young Women Young women diagnosed with breast cancer face a particularly challenging landscape. Studies show they are more likely to experience aggressive disease and earlier recurrence, even after successful initial treatment. Understanding triggers like viral infections is critical for this group, as dormant cells may be more easily reactivated under inflammatory conditions. Viruses Can Wake Sleeping Cancer Cells *New research shows that respiratory infections—like influenza and SARS-CoV-2—can trigger inflammation that awakens these dormant cells. In mice, infections caused hidden cells to start proliferating within days, forming metastatic lesions in just two weeks. Interleukin-6 and immune system dynamics—especially the suppression of CD8+ activity by CD4+ T cells—play a major role. Correlative Human Supporting Observational data from cancer survivors in the UK Biobank and Flatiron Health support these findings, linking COVID-19 to increased lung metastasis and cancer-related mortality. This highlights a surprising link between viral infections and cancer recurrence. What We Still Don’t Know Most of these insights come from mouse models. Human biology is more complex, and more research is needed to understand how viral infections affect metastasis in patients. *For details and complete results, read: Chia, S.B., Johnson, B.J., Hu, J. et al. Respiratory viral infections awaken metastatic breast cancer cells in the lungs. Nature 645, 496–506 (2025). https://lnkd.in/gC3E6JqD