Young Women

For younger women, self-examination is often the only way a problem will be recognized. I was diagnosed at 27(almost 28) and wasn't even eligible for mammograms at that time. Thank goodness I knew what was/wasn't normal for my breast. Though, of course, I didn't find the tumour till it was large enough to be noticeable – but that’s better than not finding it at all. Be aware of the changes in your body. Make sure you do everything possible to stay healthy and limit stress. Most of all, don't forget to make regular breast self-exam. Don't be fooled by the fact you have no cancer history in your family or your breast are small.

Statistically, the number of women less than 40 years old with breast cancer is rare only about 5% of all breast cancers. However, I do feel that I see many young women with breast cancer with young children in my practice. But this could be a bias since I practice in New York City where there is a large population of gene carriers of the BRCA gene. These patients tend to be affected by the disease at an earlier age. Also, many young women with breast cancer are referred to my practice. These women diagnosed at a young age can be very complex since they have many additional issues facing them such as preservation of fertility, genetic counselling, possible prophylactic removal of ovaries as well as a normal breast, body image and sexuality. It is important when treating a young woman with breast cancer, that the surgeon works closely with a team of specially trained medical oncologists, fertility specialists, genetic counselors, gynecologic oncologists and therapists to address all these issues as necessary. Statistically, the number of women less than 40 years old with breast cancer is rare only about 5% of all breast cancers. However, I do feel that I see many young women with breast cancer with young children in my practice. But this could be a bias since I practice in New York City where there is a large population of gene carriers of the BRCA gene. These patients tend to be affected by the disease at an earlier age. Also, many young women with breast cancer are referred to my practice. These women diagnosed at a young age can be very complex since they have many additional issues facing them such as preservation of fertility, genetic counselling, possible prophylactic removal of ovaries as well as a normal breast, body image and sexuality. It is important when treating a young woman with breast cancer, that the surgeon works closely with a team of specially trained medical oncologists, fertility specialists, genetic counselors, gynecologic oncologists and therapists to address all these issues as necessary.