Young breast cancer: A single center experience

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Clinical Research
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Breast cancer in women under 35 is rare in Western countries (1-2% of cases).
• Limited data exists on young breast cancer patients in India.
• This study addresses the clinical and pathological characteristics of early-onset breast cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze clinical and pathological factors in young breast cancer patients.
• To determine prognostic indicators and outcomes for early-onset breast cancer.
• To understand the specific challenges of breast cancer in women under 35 in India.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 251 patients aged 35 or younger.
• Data collected from 2001-2011 at a single institute.
• Evaluation of clinical presentation, tumor characteristics, treatment, and survival.

Main Results:

• Median age of patients was 31 years; 8% of all breast cancer cases.
• Advanced stage (III/IV) at presentation in 77% of patients.
• High grade (40%), node-positive disease (60%), and triple-negative status (31%) were common.
• Median tumor size was 5.1 cm; modified radical mastectomy was frequent (79%).
• Estrogen receptor (ER), Progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2/neu positivity rates were 33% and 29% respectively.
• Three-year relapse-free survival was 51%, and overall survival was 66%.

Conclusions:

• Young women represent a significant proportion (8%) of breast cancer cases.
• Advanced stage at diagnosis and triple-negative status are key factors associated with poor outcomes.
• Early-onset breast cancer in this cohort exhibits aggressive features requiring specific management strategies.