For years, many assumed breast cancer was largely an illness of older women. Yet across sub-Saharan Africa clinicians are sounding the alarm: more young women are being diagnosed, and often at younger ages than their counterparts in Western countries. Similar shifts are appearing in other cancers too. Genetics may explain part of this, but we still need stronger research to clarify the roles of environment, lifestyle and other, as-yet-uncertain risk factors. Breast cancer is not a death sentence, but it becomes deadly when diagnosis is delayed. “Know your normal and report persistent changes, follow age- and risk-appropriate screening on your clinician’s advice, start treatment promptly and keep follow-up appointments. Caught early, breast cancer is often very treatable. With today’s advances, survival and recovery are more achievable than ever. Your health is your power—act early,” writes Dr Mukuhi Ng’ang’a, Consultant Breast Surgical Oncologist, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi in this op-ed.