Article
Open Access
Volume 5 · Issue 3 · 2025
pp. 117–125
Is Young-Onset Breast Cancer a Distinct Clinical Entity?
Hatice Tutku Şenel1 
, Nadiye Akdeniz2 , Senar Ebinç3
, Nadiye Akdeniz2 , Senar Ebinç3
1
Department of Internal Medicine, Gazi Yasargil Training and Research Hospital, Diyarbakır, Türkiye
2
Department of Medical Oncology, Gazi Yasargil Training and Research Hospital, Diyarbakır, Türkiye
3
Department of Medical Oncology, Van Yuzuncu Yil University Faculty of Medicine, Türkiye
Abstract
Objectives: Women under 40 are not included in routine screening programs, which may delay early detection. This study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics, treatment patterns, and survival outcomes of young breast cancer (BC) patients.
Methods: This retrospective study included 140 premenopausal women aged 18–40 years diagnosed with BC between January 2018 and December 2023. Medical records were reviewed for histopathological features, treatments, and survival data. Patients were divided into very young (≤35 years) and young (>35 years) groups.
Results: Of 140 patients, 55.7% were very young and 44.3% were young. Most cases were symptom-detected (97.9%). Invasive ductal carcinoma predominated in both groups. Grade 2 and 3 tumors were observed in 42.9% and 27.9% ofcases, respectively (p=0.005). Estrogen and progesterone receptor negativity rates were 21.4% and 30%. Early-stage disease was more frequent in the young group, while advanced tumors and node positivity were higher in very young patients. Adjuvant chemotherapyrates were similar, but anthracycline-based regimens were more common in very young patients. Mean disease-free and overall survival were 124 and 170 months.
Conclusion: Young BC patients present with more advanced disease and unfavorable prognostic features. The lack of routine screening remains a critical issue, and larger prospective studies are needed.
Methods: This retrospective study included 140 premenopausal women aged 18–40 years diagnosed with BC between January 2018 and December 2023. Medical records were reviewed for histopathological features, treatments, and survival data. Patients were divided into very young (≤35 years) and young (>35 years) groups.
Results: Of 140 patients, 55.7% were very young and 44.3% were young. Most cases were symptom-detected (97.9%). Invasive ductal carcinoma predominated in both groups. Grade 2 and 3 tumors were observed in 42.9% and 27.9% ofcases, respectively (p=0.005). Estrogen and progesterone receptor negativity rates were 21.4% and 30%. Early-stage disease was more frequent in the young group, while advanced tumors and node positivity were higher in very young patients. Adjuvant chemotherapyrates were similar, but anthracycline-based regimens were more common in very young patients. Mean disease-free and overall survival were 124 and 170 months.
Conclusion: Young BC patients present with more advanced disease and unfavorable prognostic features. The lack of routine screening remains a critical issue, and larger prospective studies are needed.
Keywords: Breast cancer, Clinicopathological features, Young-onset
Current Issue Vol 5 · Iss 3
