Epidemiology of Carcinoma Breast in Young Adolescence Women

Abstract

Introduction The aim of this study was to compare epidemiological characteristics of breast cancer in young adolescent women (YAW) versus older women (OW). Methods This was a cross-sectional prospective observational study, conducted in Ward 3, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi, Pakistan, from September 2021 to February 2022. A total of 120 female patients were recruited in this study from the Outpatient Department of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, out of which 22 patients were below the age of 40 years and 98 were above 40 years. For breast cancer diagnosis, we used the triple assessment method involving clinical examination, radiology, and histopathology. Diagnosed patients were further evaluated for hormonal status and metastatic workup. Results were noted on a performa, and differences between both age groups were analyzed. Results Out of 120 patients, 22 were younger than 40 years and 98 were older than 40 years. YAW used to present late after the appearance of symptoms. Patients of both age groups mostly presented with breast lumps (68.18% in YAW and 81.6% in OW). YAW presented with larger sizes of lumps and with more nodal involvement as compared to OW. BI-RADS IV (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System Category IV) was the most commonly observed (27.27% in YAW and 48.97% in OW) mammographic finding in both age groups. Invasive ductal carcinoma was the most common histological type in both age groups (72.73% in YAW and 76.53% in OW). The triple-negative disease was more commonly found in YAW than OW (40.91% in YAW vs 21.43% in OW). We found that usually YAW presented at advanced stages (stages III and IV, 54.55%) and higher grades (grade III, 63.63%). Conclusion Breast cancer in young patients is rare but more aggressive with higher grades, advanced stages, and poor prognostic features. Heredity is mainly the risk factor in young breast cancer patients. There should be proper screening programs for high-risk group for early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Other age-specific concerns such as psychological impact of disease should be addressed as well.

A study of risk factors for breast cancer in Al-Anbar province: a case- control study

“…Regular exercise may contribute to breast cancer prevention through hormonal influences on estrogen and progesterone levels [31]. The current study highlights early menarche as a significant risk factor, with a 3.05 times higher risk for breast cancer in those with menarche at age ≤12 compared to those at 13-15 years, consistent with prior research linked early menarche to higher estrogen levels [32,33]. Nulliparity is linked to a two-fold increased risk compared to parous patients (p=0.02), aligning with existing studies emphasizing the higher risk for nulliparous women [34].…”

Reduced Psychosocial Well-Being among the Children of Women with Early-Onset Breast Cancer

“…It is also known that breast cancer patients are more susceptible to psychological distress than other cancer patients [34][35][36]. As described in the literature [37][38][39], the women in our study, who have a comparatively young age at onset, are affected by tumours with an unfavourable tumour biology and receive predominantly aggressive therapies. Even though all the women had nonmetastatic breast cancer, over 85% of the women received chemotherapy.…”

Oral Contraceptive Use and Assessment of Breast Cancer Risk among Premenopausal Women via Molecular Characteristics: Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

“…Breast cancer remains the most common malignancy among younger patients. The incidence of breast cancer in young women is 5.6% and is rising rapidly [ 6 ]. Compared to older age groups, breast cancer in young patients is more likely to have a larger tumor size, family predisposition genes, unfavorable biological features, advanced disease at diagnosis, and, unfortunately, poor prognosis [ 6 ].…”

“…The incidence of breast cancer in young women is 5.6% and is rising rapidly [ 6 ]. Compared to older age groups, breast cancer in young patients is more likely to have a larger tumor size, family predisposition genes, unfavorable biological features, advanced disease at diagnosis, and, unfortunately, poor prognosis [ 6 ]. Breast cancer in young women requires special attention due to its specific morphologic and prognostic characteristics and unique aspects, including fertility preservation and psychosocial issues [ 7 ].…”