Little more than half (52%) of respondents, and less than half (43%) of those aged 30-39, are very aware that breast cancer diagnoses have been rising among younger patients, according to a poll of more than 1,000 Florida-based women. Findings show 32% are somewhat aware of this increase, and 17% are either not very aware (11%) or not at all aware (6%).

Conducted by the TopLine MD Alliance — a group of independent physicians and medical practice groups who are committed to providing a higher standard of healthcare services — the survey sheds light on gaps in public awareness as breast cancer, and overall cancer incidence, climbs among younger individuals. Published shortly before Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it highlights opportunities to strengthen patient knowledge.

For several years, researchers have shown a consistent and significant increase in breast cancer rates among younger patients. According to Susan G. Komen, incidence rates jumped by more than 1% per year from 2019 to 2023 among U.S. women younger than age 40, a cohort of particular significance given that most health organizations don’t recommend mammograms for women under 40 unless they’re known to be at heightened risk of breast cancer.

“These findings confirm the extent to which women here in Florida can benefit from our evolving knowledge of breast cancer risk,” said Dr. Mark Grenitz, a Plantation, Florida-based gynecologist who is part of the TopLine MD Alliance. “They illustrate the importance of strong physician-patient relationships, which allow providers to best identify those who might benefit from early and/or advanced breast cancer screenings.”

Additional findings from the TopLine MD Alliance survey include:

  • Less than half (46%) of respondents are very confident that they understand the factors that may affect their individual breast cancer risk, a figure that drops to 22% among those aged 30-39.

  • Only 60% of respondents know that dense breast tissue is associated with increased breast cancer risk.

  • Though 99% of respondents have health insurance and 96% have a regular healthcare provider, 26% report having delayed or skipped a recommended breast cancer screening with scheduling/lack of time cited as the most common reason.

Methodology

Findings are based on a survey conducted by the TopLine MD Alliance from September 4-16, 2026. Respondents included 1,073 women ages 18 and over who live in Florida and are patients of TopLine MD Alliance providers based in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Duvall and Hillsborough counties.

About TopLine MD

The TopLine MD Alliance is a group of independent physicians and medical practice groups who are committed to providing a higher standard of healthcare services. With more than 850 expert providers and 300+ individual practices, we help patients navigate the healthcare system, connecting them with top-of-the-line healthcare providers, practices, diagnostic centers, and imaging centers who we trust. Members of the TopLine MD Alliance help coordinate your care across specialists and testing facilities. We make permission-granted, information sharing seamless, significantly improving the patient experience. Learn more at https://www.toplinemd.com.

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