Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and second leading cause of cancer-related death in women, in the United States. However, little is known about breast cancer in women in their early 40s and younger. Ann Partridge, MD, MPH, who founded and directs the Program for Young Women with Breast Cancer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, says that evidence shows that young age is a risk factor for disease recurrence and death.

It is controversial whether the poorer prognosis is a reflection of delays in diagnosis, differences in tumor biology, or the effectiveness of treatment, but accumulating evidence indicates that biologic differences may play an important role.

“In addition to being at higher risk of dying from breast cancer than older women, young women with breast cancer are at increased risk of psychosocial distress at diagnosis and in follow-up when compared with older women,” explains Partridge, “Young women with breast cancer face a variety of unique medical and psychosocial concerns as a result of their diagnosis and subsequent treatment. In particular, fertility and family planning, menopausal symptoms, and sexual functioning are of great concern to this patient population.”

Partridge and her colleagues are studying the biology of breast cancer and better ways to treat the disease, as well as investigating psychosocial, behavioral, and communication issues associated with breast cancer care, especially the unique issues facing young women with breast cancer.

“Our ultimate goal is to understand and treat each woman and her cancer in the context of her life.”

Several ongoing projects include evaluation of adherence with hormonal therapies in women with early-stage breast cancer, assessment of fertility and fertility concerns in young women undergoing breast cancer treatment, and communication of study results to patients following clinical trial participation.

Source: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute