Diseases of the breast in young women

The records of 516 women, less than 30 years of age, requiring biopsies of the breast were reviewed. Four cancers were identified. All 397 biopsies done on patients less than 27 years of age were benign. Young women with masses can be reassured as to the probable benignity of the illness and operative timing made compatible with their other obligations. Greater development of ambulatory care surgical centers is needed to accommodate young women with breast masses to alleviate both anxieties and costs associated with hospitalization.