Open AccessConsiderations for the Treatment of Young Patients with Breast Cancer
Author(s) -
Menen Rhiana S.,
Hunt Kelly K.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the breast journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.533
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1524-4741
pISSN - 1075-122X
DOI - 10.1111/tbj.12644
Subject(s) - medicine , breast cancer , psychosocial , fertility preservation , quality of life (healthcare) , disease , young adult , cancer , sexual function , gynecology , fertility , family medicine , gerontology , psychiatry , population , nursing , environmental health
Abstract Breast cancer in the young patient, generally defined as younger than 40 years, is a rare but important problem. In the US , over 24,000 women under age 45 are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and nearly 2,500 young women die annually of the disease. This review is intended to address issues specific to caring for the young breast cancer patient including diagnosis, genetic counseling, tumor biology, surgery, and potential for development of contralateral breast cancer. Additionally, there are psychosocial considerations unique to this age group which should be addressed as part of a comprehensive, multi‐disciplinary team approach including discussions about fertility, sexual function, behavioral health, and quality of life.