Breast Cancer & Young Women

Appointments

Overview

Our Approach

Appointments

Diagnosis

Treatment Options

Fertility and Pregnancy

Impact

Prognosis & Follow-up Care

Resources

Locations

Physicians

Breast cancer in young women, also known as early-onset breast cancer, occurs in those under the age of 40. It is less common than people over 45. It presents unique challenges in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Younger women are more likely to have hereditary breast cancer and may develop more aggressive tumors.

Breast cancer in young women poses unique challenges and requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to treatment and care. Awareness and early detection are key, and tailored support for emotional and psychosocial needs is essential for improving quality of life and outcomes.

Frequency and Characteristics

Incidence: Approximately 5-7% of all breast cancer cases in the United States occur in women under 40.
Aggressiveness: Breast cancer in young women tends to be more aggressive, with higher grades and subtypes like triple-negative breast cancer or HER2-positive cancer, which can be more difficult to treat. Learn more about tumor receptors and breast cancer.

Risk Factors

Genetics: Young women with breast cancer are more likely to have a genetic predisposition. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are particularly significant.
Family History: A strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer can increase risk.
Reproductive Factors: Early menstruation (before age 12), late pregnancy (after age 30), and not having children can be risk factors.
Lifestyle Factors: Alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity can contribute to an increased risk.

Our Approach

The Weiser Family Center for Breast Cancer at the U-M Health Rogel Cancer Center is dedicated to providing compassionate, cutting-edge care for young adults affected by breast cancer. We enhance lives through early detection, personalized treatment, and survivorship support, while advancing research, education, and advocacy. Our unwavering commitment is to make a meaningful difference, improving breast cancer outcomes for all.

Appointment Information

If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer and would like an appointment, please call 734-647-8902. Healthcare providers looking to refer a patient, please contact M-LINE: 800-962-3555.

For those with questions, please contact our Cancer AnswerLine at 800-865-1125.

Diagnosis

Symptoms: Common symptoms include lumps, breast pain, nipple discharge, or changes in the size or shape of the breast. Young women may also experience symptoms less typical for breast cancer.
Screening: Routine screening mammograms are generally not recommended for women under 40 unless they are at high risk. However, breast self-exams and clinical exams are crucial.
Imaging Tests: If a suspicious area is found, imaging tests such as mammograms, ultrasounds, and possibly MRI can help in diagnosis.
Biopsy: A biopsy is needed to confirm the presence and type of breast cancer.

Challenges in Diagnosis

Dense Breast Tissue: Young women often have denser breast tissue, which can make it harder to detect abnormalities on mammograms.
Delayed Diagnosis: Symptoms may be mistakenly attributed to benign conditions, especially given the rarity of breast cancer in this age group. This can lead to delayed diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Treatment strategies are similar to those for older women but need to consider factors particular to younger patients:

Surgery:
- Lumpectomy: Removal of the tumor and a margin of surrounding tissue.
- Mastectomy: Removal of one or both breasts. Depending on genetic risk factors, prophylactic mastectomy may be considered.
Radiation Therapy: Standard after lumpectomy to destroy remaining cancer cells. Radiation may be recommended following mastectomy in select situations.
Chemotherapy: Recommended for more aggressive cancers, or to shrink the tumor before surgery (neoadjuvant) or to kill remaining cells after surgery (adjuvant).
Hormonal Therapy: For hormone receptor-positive cancers, medications like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors may be used.
Targeted Therapy: Drugs targeting specific characteristics of the cancer, such as trastuzumab for HER2-positive cancers.

Fertility and Pregnancy

Many treatments can affect fertility. Options like egg or embryo freezing should be discussed before starting treatment.

Breast cancer during pregnancy requires a carefully coordinated treatment plan to balance the health of both the mother and the fetus.

For more information, please see our Fertility Preservation Program for Cancer Patients page.

Psychosocial and Emotional Impact

Young women may struggle with issues related to body image, sexual health, dating, career, and raising a family.

Support Groups: Joining support groups aimed at younger women with breast cancer can provide immense emotional support and practical advice.

Prognosis & Follow-up Care

Prognosis improves with early detection and appropriate treatment. Young women face a heightened risk of recurrence and a need for long-term follow-up which includes:

Regular Monitoring: Continuous follow-up care is crucial to monitor for signs of recurrence and manage any long-term side effects of treatment.
Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including diet, exercise, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco, can help improve overall prognosis.

Patient Resources

The following links to services and articles providing additional information and support for breast cancer patients and their families:

Locations

Breast Care Clinic | Brighton Center for Specialty Care 7500 Challis Rd
Entrance 1, Level 1
Brighton, MI 48116-9416 Get Directions
Breast Oncology Clinic | Rogel Cancer Center 1500 E Medical Center Dr
Floor 1
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5916 Get Directions