Breast cancer cases among women under the age of 50 have seen a 5 per cent increase in just one year, according to new analysis. This concerning rise comes as the charity CoppaFeel! claims that younger individuals presenting with symptoms of the disease are "routinely dismissed" by healthcare professionals.In response, the charity is advocating for the adoption of a seven-minute risk assessment. This proposed tool would consider factors such as family history to identify those who might benefit from earlier or more frequent breast screening. Currently, the NHS offers women mammograms – an X-ray of the breast – from their 50th birthday until they turn 71.However, CoppaFeel!'s analysis suggests a growing prevalence of the disease in younger demographics. The charity was founded by twin sisters Kris and Maren Hallenga, following Kris's own breast cancer diagnosis at the age of 23.According to its new report, one in six people diagnosed with breast cancer are aged 49 and under.Diagnoses in people under 30 jumped by 78 per cent from 2001 to 2019 and from 2022 to 2023, breast cancer rates increased by 5 per cent among 25 to 49 year olds.The charity said patients diagnosed with breast cancer under 50 are almost twice as likely to have late-stage cancer compared with someone in their 60s, while under 25s are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with late-stage disease.Oone in six people diagnosed with breast cancer are aged 49 and under, a new report from CoppaFeel! says (Getty/iStock)Sophie Dopierala-Bull, director of services and engagement, CoppaFeel!, said: “Early diagnosis depends too heavily on whether young people know their bodies, whether they feel confident seeking help, whether they can access healthcare, and whether they are taken seriously when they get there.“Awareness matters – CoppaFeel! has spent more than 15 years helping young people know their bodies and feel confident seeking help.“But awareness alone cannot carry the weight of a system that was not built with young people in mind.”CoppaFeel! is calling for a pilot of a seven-minute risk assessment which looks at family history, genetic factors and breast density to help find patients who may benefit from earlier screening rather than relying on age alone.It has also recommended that breast awareness should be built into routine NHS appointments and said clinical breast cancer trials should include at least one in six patients under 50.Ms Dopierala-Bull added: “We need screening based on risk, research that includes younger people, and a healthcare system that treats young people’s breast cancer as the urgent issue it is.”Erin Kennedy, Paralympic gold medallist and CoppaFeel! ambassador, said she was at the peak of her sporting career when she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer at 29.“Breast cancer was not something I thought would become part of my story,” she said.“I was lucky that I knew my body and acted when something felt wrong. But no young person’s outcome should depend on luck, or on whether someone believes they are old enough to have breast cancer.”Dr Elizabeth Lynch, a GP and member of CoppaFeel!’s medical advisory group, said a conversation lasting minutes could help younger people understand what is normal and when to seek help.She said: “Although the prevalence of breast cancer in younger people is low, there are identifiable risk factors that may highlight those that need additional support, and a brief chat would ensure this cohort was identified by their healthcare professional, their worries and concerns addressed, and tailored, appropriate and timely intervention offered.”A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “It is unacceptable that people have faced delays in receiving cancer diagnosis and care, and our thoughts are with all those who have been let down.“We are determined to help people of all ages and backgrounds get faster diagnoses, quicker treatment, and the support they need to live well for longer.“Through our National Cancer Plan, all patients will receive a personalised plan from 2026, covering treatment, mental health, employment, and financial support.“We are also removing age-based barriers to clinical trials, ensuring young adults can access the most innovative treatments available.”