[Breast cancer in young women: epidemiology and treatment dilemmas].
The incidence of breast cancer in the Netherlands in women under 40 years has been more or less stable for the last 2 decades, while the mortality rate has decreased in the same period. Breast cancer in young women generally has a worse prognosis than in older women. Systemic therapy reduces the risk oflocoregional relapse after breast-conserving therapy from approximately 2% to less than 1% on an annual basis. Breast-conserving therapy therefore seems to be a safe option in young women who have consented beforehand to receive adjuvant systemic therapy. According to current treatment guidelines, adjuvant systemic therapy will be offered to approximately 80% of young breast cancer patients. The risk of premature postmenopausal symptoms, osteoporosis and unwanted infertility are, however, disadvantages of adjuvant chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. This specific treatment-related toxicity in young breast cancer patients requires support by experts with endowments for these specific issues.
van der Sangen
M J C
MJ
Catharina-ziekenhuis, afd. Radiotherapie, Eindhoven. rthmsn@cze.nl
Voogd
A C
AC
van de Poll-Franse
L V
LV
Tjan-Heijnen
V C G
VC
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D018579:Patient Selection; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents