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Voices from Mexico:
Project 528 Findings
Project 528 is the world’s first global comprehensive needs assessment of the young adult breast cancer community. Named for the estimated 528,000 young adults affected by breast cancer globally, Project 528 collected survey responses from 3,881 patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to identify unmet needs and inform advocacy and care strategies.
Mexico: Among the 3,881 responses, 30 responses identified as living in Mexico. While this number is a small representation of the young adults living with breast cancer in Mexico, it provides valuable insight into their experiences.
Key Takeaways
Young age remains a barrier – 37% were told by a healthcare provider they were “too young” for breast cancer, and 22% delayed reporting symptoms due to factors like young age, lack of family history, limited time, pregnancy/breastfeeding, and fear. These delays often correlated with later-stage diagnoses, with 80% reporting diagnosis at stage II or III.
Limited use of genetic testing compromises treatment personalization – only 37% reported utilizing genetic testing, and knowledge of key biomarkers remained limited with 26% unaware of their hormone receptor status and 41% unaware of their HER2 status. This fails to address hereditary cancer risks and limits opportunities for optimal, individualized treatment planning.
Fertility preservation was not widely discussed – only 21% reported that their healthcare provider discussed fertility preservation options before treatment, and just five individuals underwent fertility preservation procedures. While cost was not a barrier, this poses a significant gap in proactive communication and planning, particularly for young adults who may not yet have started or completed family planning.
Psychological and social challenges are widespread – nearly half of respondents experienced general anxiety, disease-related anxiety, fear of recurrence, or fear of dying, highlighting the persistent emotional toll of cancer and the need for comprehensive psychosocial support that extends beyond treatment into survivorship.
Supportive care gaps persist – 72% struggled with housekeeping difficulties, 60% experienced financial insecurity, 40% had difficulty managing work or school, and 20% found caring for children challenging. A striking 67% reported no support services specifically tailored to young women with breast cancer. While 60% needed emotional support at diagnosis and 70% received it, the gap widened post-treatment when 71% needed support but only 62% received it.
Body image and relationship impacts are significant – approximately 76% reported negative changes in how they viewed themselves and experienced intimacy, 48% noted changes in romantic relationships, and 40% cited changes in relationships with loved ones, friends, and coworkers.
Significant policy and advocacy opportunities exist – only 42% believe the government has policies improving access to cancer care, just 13% felt that patients were included in policy creation, and only 21% believe their government is actively working on policies focused on better access for young adults with breast cancer. This signals both a lack of awareness and potential gaps in patient engagement in national health policy. Additionally, 63% urge government policies to better support young patients, and moderate engagement with patient advocacy groups (29%) and online communities (42%) suggests opportunities to strengthen community connections and amplify patient voices.
A Closer Look
The Diagnosis Journey: Detection, Testing and Understanding
While respondents reported a high awareness of the signs/symptoms of breast cancer, delays in reporting symptoms were still cited by 22% of respondents. Reasons for these delays ranged from young age and lack of family history to limited time, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fear. The majority were diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, consistent with global patterns. Notably, 37% of respondents reported being told by a healthcare provider that they were too young for breast cancer, reflecting a critical gap in awareness and early support.
42% of respondents are raising children under the age of 18. They faced the dual burdens of intensive caregiving
and managing their diagnosis and treatment – highlighting the emotional and logistical demands unique
to young patients with dependent children.
Treatment and Clinical Trails: Access, Participation, and Decision-Making
During their treatment journey, 84% of respondents felt comfortable asking their healthcare providers questions, and 69% had a provider readily available to address concerns. 83% of respondents had an individualized treatment plan based on type, age, and family history. Genetic testing was not common with only 37% reporting they had utilized it. Additionally, knowledge of key biomarkers remained limited, with 26% unaware of their hormone receptor status and 41% unaware of their HER2 status.
These findings highlight the importance of not only clear communication between providers and patients, but also ensuring comprehensive, individualized care that incorporates genetic and biomarker information for optimal treatment planning.
Interest in clinical trials is high with 67% reporting an interest in learning more about clinical trials and access to them. 53% had a positive or very positive perception of clinical trials, but only 16% have ever been asked to participate in a trial, and 57% were unsure if clinical trials were even available in their area.
80% of respondents were not informed about the broader, long-term health impacts of their treatment,
highlighting the need for better long-term survivor education.
Psychological Impact
The psychological impact of breast cancer was seen amongst respondents, with nearly half reporting experiencing general anxiety, disease-related anxiety, fear of recurrence, or fear of dying. These findings highlight the ongoing need for comprehensive psychosocial support that extends beyond treatment into survivorship.
Financial and Employment Impact
Mexico’s healthcare infrastructure played a significant role in reducing some of the direct financial strain of treatment, with over half of respondents (68%) receiving government healthcare and 88% reporting no existing medical debt prior to their diagnosis. The cost of treatment did not influence decision-making.
However, this security did not completely shield survivors from financial instability, as many reported significant changes during and after treatment. Employment was particularly affected, with a majority noting disruptions to their work status at diagnosis or during treatment. For the 50% of respondents raising children under the age of 18, these disruptions created additional challenges in balancing their careers and family responsibilities with the demands of treatment.
Body Image, Sexuality, and Fertility
Body image and sexuality emerged as significant areas of impact, with approximately 76% of respondents reporting negative changes in how they viewed themselves and experienced intimacy. In addition, 40% of respondents cited changes in relationships with loved ones, friends, and coworkers while 48% noted changes in romantic relationships. For young adults, these shifts can have lasting effects on confidence, self-esteem, and overall quality of life, underscoring the need for greater integration of sexual health and wellness into care planning.
Fertility preservation was not widely integrated into treatment planning. While cost was not a barrier, only 21% of respondents reported that their healthcare provider discussed fertility preservation options before treatment. Just five individuals underwent fertility preservation procedures. These findings underscore a gap in proactive communication and planning around fertility. These needs are particularly important to address with young adults who may not yet have started or completed family planning.
Practical burdens and supportive services
Practical burdens included: 72% had difficulty with housekeeping, 40% had difficulty managing work or school, 60% experienced financial insecurity, and 20% reported difficulty caring for children.
Women did not always receive the supportive care they needed across the cancer journey; 60% reported needing emotional support at diagnosis and 70% received it. However, post-treatment the number of women who needed support grew to 71% and 62% received emotional support.
A striking 67% reported no support services specifically tailored to young women with breast cancer.
Patient Empowerment and Advocacy
Young adults in Mexico expressed moderate engagement with patient advocacy or support groups (29%) and online communities (42%). Additionally, 67% indicated that they did not have support specifically focused around unique issues young women face, illustrating the complexity of survivorship and a critical need to tailor advocacy, education, and resources to their lived experiences.
42% of responders believe the government has policies improving access to cancer care, but the majority were unsure or said no. 13% felt that patients were included in policy creation, and 21% believe their government is actively working on policies focused on better access for young adults with breast cancer. This signals both a lack of awareness and potential gaps in patient engagement in national health policy.
In Their Own Words: Patient-Identified Needs and Priorities
Respondents identified the following ongoing needs:
- 63% respondents seeking education about survivorship
- 54% wanting more information on self-care
- 38% needing physical or lymphedema therapy
- 17% needing support for grief and loss
- 63% urging government policies to better support young patients
Interactive Data Explorer
Read the full reports and view the Interactive Data Explorer.
Comprehensive Reports
Learn more about the Project 528 methodology and process in the Project 528 First Look report.
For those diagnosed with breast cancer before 40, YSC is the global home for intelligent, empowered survivorship — providing the most comprehensive tools, resources, and expert-driven community so they can confidently navigate every stage of their life after diagnosis.
Learn more about the support and resources available at youngsurvival.org.
Thank You to the Project 528 Sponsors
*As of November 2025
Cite Project 528
Reports & Publications
Young Survival Coalition. Project 528: Global Needs Assessment of Young Adults with Breast Cancer. [Year]. www.youngsurvival.org
Slides & Visuals
Source: Young Survival Coalition, Project 528
Specific Data or Findings
Source: Young Survival Coalition, Project 528 ([Year]), [add description]
Learn more at: https://project528.youngsurvival.org/citation/