A Perilous Pattern

Why is this diagnosis becoming more common? [For the best experience, read in browser.]( October 3, 2023 Good morning! Today we’re taking a look at the conversations on everyone’s minds, including Donald Trump’s latest day in court, [the deeper meaning behind all those Taylor Swift headlines](, and [the debate dividing the comedy world](. But first, we’re examining an unsettling trend — here's [why more women under 40 are being diagnosed with breast cancer](. Thanks for waking up with us.   In the News [Illustrations of women's heads on different colored backgrounds]( KCM/Getty Images A Perilous Pattern If you think there’s such a thing as being “too young for breast cancer," you’re unfortunately mistaken. This awful disease is on the rise in lower age brackets, so we tapped a few of the country's leading experts to find out [what's behind this worrisome trend](. By the numbers: A study published this summer found that between 2010 and 2019, breast cancer diagnoses rose 5.3% among people aged 20 to 29 and a staggering 19.4% among those aged 30 to 39. These statistics are especially alarming because women are often told they don't need mammograms until they're at least 40. But why? That's the million-dollar question. Doctors are studying all sorts of hypotheses, from genetics to environmental factors to changes in how early girls begin to menstruate. Here's a closer look at [what could be causing this cancer in younger and younger patients](. Read on for vital insights from four top-notch physicians, including the latest intel on screening and treatment options. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fhealth%2Fcancer%2Fearly-onset-breast-cancer-risks%2F   More Stories [Trump flanked by his lawyers in court]( Getty Images Trump trial: Donald Trump's civil fraud trial kicked off in New York yesterday. Since he's already been found liable, these proceedings will determine his penalty. AG Letitia James has asked for a $250 million fine, and for Trump to be banned from running a business in the state. Trump vigorously denied all wrongdoing outside the courtroom, accusing the judge of election interference and James of being politically motivated. The latter claim was echoed by his lawyer in court, prompting a back-and-forth with the judge about apparent legal errors in the defense. Watch this space... Gaetz takes aim: Rep. Matt Gaetz has filed a resolution to force a vote to oust Kevin McCarthy from his leadership post after the speaker's [cooperation with the Democrats over the weekend](. The Republican firebrand told reporters that he has the votes to ensure that by next week, McCarthy either "won’t be the speaker of the House," or he’ll be "working at the pleasure of the Democrats." McCarthy is expected to deploy procedural measures to stop the resolution as soon as today. Sigh of relief: The nine-year-old girl who vanished during a camping trip in upstate New York on Saturday has been found. A fingerprint on a ransom note left at her family's home led to the arrest of a man identified as 47-year-old Craig Nelson Ross Jr. "He literally drove up to the family's mailbox... at 4:20 in the morning," Gov. Kathy Hochul said. A SWAT team discovered Charlotte Sena hiding in a cupboard in the suspect's home. She's now home safe, and in good health. High stakes: Former FTX co-founder and one-time crypto billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried goes on trial in NYC today. The former tech golden child has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of fraud and conspiracy related to the collapse of his digital currency exchange FTX and his cryptocurrency hedge fund, Alameda Research. Several of the charges carry potential 20-year sentences.   Must-Reads [Taylor Swift Travis Kelce]( Big Reputation Players gonna play, play, play? The Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce convo has flipped the script on gender roles, according to critic Liz Plank. [Read More »]( [Clear skull filled with pills]( Bottled Up Is that Tylenol that’s been sitting in your cabinet for years still good? Here’s what experts say about taking expired medicine. [Read More »]( [Hasan Minhaj]( What Is the Truth? The New Yorker piece fact-checking Hasan Minhaj’s stand-up revealed a few holes — and a lot of deeper questions. [Read More »](   Give Yourself a Boost [Halle Berry holding bottles from Pendulum]( Pendulum It takes guts to get healthy — just ask Halle Berry. The award-winning actress was so impressed by the supplements from our partners at Pendulum that she reached out to them to become their Chief Communications Officer. Here's why: Akkermansia, [one of the most powerful probiotics you may never have heard of](, is known for strengthening the lining of your gut, and a survey found that 81% of customers saw improved gut health after three months of daily doses. You can't get this probiotic from food, but you can get it from Pendulum with 20% off your first membership order using code KATIECOURIC20. [TRY IT FOR YOURSELF](   On the Record It's Banned Books Week, an important reminder that the freedom to express certain ideas is still being limited across the country. In light of that, we wanted to resurface [these urgent warnings]( from Linda Johnson, the President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library, and Suzanne Nossel, the CEO of PEN America: “Today’s censorious trends threaten all Americans’ First Amendment rights. Legislators are tampering with freedom of speech, turning schools and libraries into battlegrounds in an increasingly polarized America. By restricting access to books, legislators are shrinking our worlds — and limiting our ability to prepare our children for the duties of citizenship.”   Required Reading [The book cover for ''Stuff Mom Never Told You: The Feminist Past, Present, and Future'']( iHeart Podcasts If you love the podcast Stuff Mom Never Told You, you already know how effectively hosts Anney Reese and Samantha McVey can break down the ever-evolving concept of feminism. (And if you haven't heard it yet, you owe it to yourself to [give it a listen here](.) Either way, [the duo's thought-provoking new book]( is a must-read. It chronicles crucial events in modern herstory, from Billie Jean King’s famous “Battle of the Sexes” to how women have influenced disability rights — all written with a sharp tongue, an infectious curiosity, and a deeply empathetic voice. [CHECK IT OUT HERE]( [Sponsored by iHeart Podcasts](   Extra Credit [Collage of stills from TV shows]( KCM/Apple TV/Hulu What to watch: The Hollywood writers' strike is over, but the actors are still picketing, which means we could be waiting quite a while for new content. To make the most of your couch time until then, we rounded up [10 underrated TV shows we know you'll love](. Don't drop the ball: It’s easy to skip the warm-up or cool-down when you exercise, but there’s a reason these parts of a workout are crucial to your performance. A Humana yoga teacher and pickleball instructor shares [two easy routines anyone can follow](. Sneak peek: Amazon Prime Big Deal Days don't kick off until Oct. 10 and 11, but some of the sales have already begun. Don't miss our guide to [big discounts you can take advantage of right now]( — and stay tuned next week for more intel on the savings to come.   Get the Look It’s no secret that Reese Witherspoon has great style. The actress sported an eye-popping pink coat from her brand, Draper James, that’s positively Elle Woods-approved! Scoop yours up [right here](. [Reese Witherspoon wearing pink peacoat]( [SHOP HERE](   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.]( Thank you for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community. If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.