Managing breast cancer in younger women: challenges and solutions

Abstract

Foluso O Ademuyiwa,1 Amy Cyr,2 Jennifer Ivanovich,2 Maria A Thomas3 1Department of Medicine, 2Department of Surgery, 3Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA Abstract: Breast cancer in young women is relatively rare compared to breast cancer occurring in older women. Younger women diagnosed with breast cancer also tend to have a more aggressive biology and consequently a poorer prognosis than older women. In addition, they face unique challenges such as diminished fertility from premature ovarian failure, extended survivorship periods and its attendant problems, and the psychosocial impact of diagnosis, while still raising families. It is therefore imperative to recognize the unique issues that younger women face, and plan management in a multidisciplinary fashion to optimize clinical outcomes. This paper discusses the challenges of breast cancer management for young women, as well as specific issues to consider in diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of such patients. Keywords: breast cancer, young women, diagnosis, treatment 

Keywords

• breast cancer
• young women