BREAST-CANCER IN YOUNG-PATIENTS

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer in a young person is considered by many to b e a,rare and very aggressive disease, Theories regarding the aggressiv eness of the disease are varied, This study was undertaken in an attem pt to help formulate guidelines regarding screening for and treatment of breast cancer in the young patient, PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrosp ective review was undertaken of 81 breast cancer patients aged less th an or equal to 35 years who underwent definitive surgical treatment, A ll patients were treated at a single institution, RESULTS: Overall 5- and 10-year survival rates were 65% and 49%, respectively, In patients with disease localized to the breast, 5- and 10-year rates were 89% a nd 78%, respectively, There was no significant,difference in survival with respect to age or date of diagnosis, nor was there a difference i n cancer stage distribution, The only major determinant of survival wa s stage at the time of diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that young age does not seem to be directly related to the ''aggressiveness'' or ''virulence'' of breast cancer, especially among patients with localiz ed disease, These results underscore the need for aggressive and early treatment of these patients, The improved survival with early detecti on is a valid argument for careful screening, even among very young pa tients.