Have you ever thought that breast cancer is a disease that only affects older people? Although many people think so, the truth is different. Sometimes, young women under the age of 40 also develop this disease. When that happens, it is a little more complicated, and the impact it has on their lives is much greater. Let's talk about this today, because it is very important to be aware of this.
How is breast cancer different in young women?
Simply put, when a young woman gets breast cancer, it's a little more severe. That is, the risk of recurrence of the disease and therefore death is slightly higher compared to someone who is older.
But here's the good news: Even so, the majority of young women who develop this disease live long, healthy lives, so it's never a good idea to give up hope.
However, this disease can have a profound impact on every aspect of a young person's life. Research shows that breast cancer significantly reduces the quality of life of young women.
There are several reasons for that:
- Deterioration of physical and mental health .
- Increased body aches.
- Decreased social connections and activities.
These conditions can also occur in older people, but they are more common in younger women.
Another concern is that young women are less likely to adhere to their treatment plans. The reasons for this are complex. Many are afraid of the side effects of treatment. For example, they are afraid of losing their hair, and they are also afraid that the treatment will affect their fertility.
| The main reasons why young women avoid treatment | Description |
|---|---|
| Fear of side effects | They are especially concerned about things that affect their appearance, such as hair loss due to chemotherapy. |
| Fertility | The fear of not being able to have children in the future due to treatment strongly affects young women. |
| Menopause-like symptoms | Hormone therapy can cause symptoms of menopause at a young age (e.g., fatigue, insomnia). |
Frequently asked questions and their answers
Let's now look for answers to some of the questions that come to your mind when discussing this topic.
Are there new treatments to prevent hormone-positive cancers from coming back?
Yes, there is a lot of research going on. Recently, new drugs have been introduced for cancers that are resistant to hormone therapy. These drugs have more than doubled the survival time of women with advanced breast cancer. Studies have also shown that these new drugs reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. Since young women often develop high-risk types of cancer, these new treatments could be very beneficial for them.
If it is difficult to take hormone therapy (Endocrine Therapy) for 5 years due to side effects, are there other options?
This is a very important question. The most important thing is to definitely talk to your doctor about it if you are having difficulty tolerating the treatment. Never stop treatment on your own.
Typically, your doctor will suggest several options for you, such as taking only Tamoxifen or switching to another treatment.
Remember, taking Tamoxifen for one year reduces the risk of cancer coming back by about 10%. Taking it for two years reduces the risk by about 30%, and taking it for five years reduces the risk by about 50%.
Therefore, it is important to take treatment for as long as possible. Your doctor will help you manage side effects. You may also need to take a short break from treatment.
What do you think about natural therapies?
A well-balanced diet (rich in nutrients, fruits, and vegetables) and exercise are extremely important parts of your overall wellness plan.
However, you should be very careful when using natural remedies or supplements. According to Ann H. Partridge, a specialist in cancer treatment, “Many natural products have not been tested for how they interact with known anticancer drugs. Also, some natural products can unknowingly change hormone levels in the body.”
So, don't experiment with foods and drinks without medical advice. However, things like `(Reiki)` (Reiki), mindfulness, exercise, and acupuncture can help with mental well-being. Talk to your doctor about these as well.
Is there a relationship between race and breast cancer risk?
Yes, there is a connection. Research shows that black women under the age of 40 are at higher risk of developing breast cancer than white women. They are also more likely to develop a type of cancer called ``triple-negative breast cancer'', which is more likely to come back and is more aggressive.
Do men under 40 also get breast cancer?
Breast cancer is very rare in men, especially under the age of 40. While about 250,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with the disease each year, only about 2,000 men are diagnosed with it. The majority of these men are over the age of 70. So a young man is much less likely to develop it.
Symptoms and your care team
There is no difference in the symptoms of breast cancer between young and old women. But the biggest difference is that older women are routinely screened for breast cancer. However, younger women are not screened unless they are at risk.
This means that as a young person, you will only know if you have cancer if you notice a change in your body (e.g. a lump in your breast, a change in your skin, a discharge from your nipple). Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to your body.
It is essential to have a good medical team to help you on this journey. Your team should include:
- Oncologist
- Surgeon
- Radiation Oncologist
- Pathologists, Radiologists and Nurses
- Genetic Counselor: These people help to find out if there is a genetic influence related to cancer.
- A social worker or mental health counselor: Their support is invaluable in protecting your mental health during this difficult time.
- Your family and friends: These are the most important part of this team. Their love and support will be a great source of strength for you.
Take-Home Message
- Younger women can also develop breast cancer , although it can be a little more complicated and severe than it is in older women.
- If you notice any unusual changes in your breasts (a lump, a change in the skin, an inverted nipple), pay attention to it and see a doctor immediately.
- Don't stop treatment midway. Talk openly with your doctor about side effects and find solutions.
- You are not alone in this battle. It is very important to have the support of your medical team, family, and friends.
- Don't use natural remedies or supplements without medical advice. But a good, nutritious diet and exercise are very good for your health.
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