The Dr. Hyman Show

Why Younger Women Are Getting Breast Cancer at Record Rates (And How to Reduce Your Risk)

38 snips
Oct 14, 2026
Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, a board-certified OB/GYN and women’s health advocate, shares her personal breast cancer story and challenges common screening assumptions. They explore risk without family history, dense breasts, genetic testing, metabolic health, hormone exposure, and symptoms often dismissed. The conversation also covers PCOS, painful periods, pelvic ultrasound, lifestyle prevention, and personalized hormone therapy.
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ADVICE

Calculate Lifetime Risk Before Choosing Screening

  • Calculate lifetime risk with the Tyrer-Cuzick tool using breast density, biopsies, family history, and reproductive factors.
  • A risk of 20% or higher may justify screening from age 30, ultrasound for dense breasts, and annual MRI.
ANECDOTE

Atypical Cells Revealed A Hidden 37% Risk

  • Despite no family history or mutation, Thaïs Aliabadi’s atypical lobular hyperplasia produced a 37% lifetime risk.
  • She recalculated the result, rejected reassurance, and pursued preventive surgery rather than waiting six months.
ANECDOTE

Negative Imaging Missed Thaïs Aliabadi’s Cancer

  • Her mammogram, ultrasound, and MRI were considered negative, yet pathology found invasive stage-one cancer in the opposite breast.
  • The experience showed how imaging limitations and human error can undermine reassurance.
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