Challenges in the treatment of younger women with breast cancer. (July 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Niravath, Polly; Rimawi, Mothaffar
• Is Part Of: Breast cancer management. Volume 1:Number 2(2012)
• Page Start: 127
• Page End: 134
• Publication Date: 2012-07
• Subjects: Breast -- Cancer -- Periodicals; Breast -- Cancer -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.9944905
• DOI: 10.2217/bmt.12.25
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1758-1923

Abstract

SUMMARY Breast cancer in the younger patient is a perplexing issue for many clinicians because the topic is fraught with so much uncertainty. While most clinicians know that young women unfortunately fare worse after a breast cancer diagnosis, it is not clear how to best improve that outcome. Issues that are unique to young, premenopausal women regarding both local and systemic therapy will be discussed in this article. Additionally, the side effects of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy can be particularly damaging to a younger woman's quality of life. In particular, sexual dysfunction and infertility are common problems that are extremely important to young patients, although many doctors actually avoid these topics because of unfamiliarity with their management. This article aims to shed light on these clinically relevant topics.