A comparative study of the clinical characteristics of breast cancer patients less than 35 years old and older patients

• Published in: Korean journal of clinical oncology Vol. 14; no. 1; pp. 1 - 7
• Main Authors: Hwang, Tae Sik, Jeong, Ah Rem, Kim, Yun Yeong, Lee, Joon-Hyop, Chung, Yoo Seung, Choi, Sang Tae, Kang, Jin Mo, Park, Heung Kyu, Chun, Yong Soon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 대한종양외과학회 01.06.2018; Korean Society of Surgical Oncology
• Subjects: breast neoplasms; prognosis; young adult; 일반외과학; Breast neoplasms; Prognosis; Young adult
• ISSN: 1738-8082; 2288-4084
• DOI: 10.14216/kjco.18001

Purpose In Korea, the incidence of breast cancer peaks in the fifth decade, which is younger than that observed in the Western world. We conducted this study to compare the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of breast cancer in women <35 and ≥35 years old. Methods The medical records of 969 patients treated for breast cancer at the Gil Medical Center from 2008 through 2012 were reviewed. Tumor characteristics, surgical methods, and adjuvant therapies were compared in two groups. Results Number of childbirths, family history, the proportion of postmenopausal women were lower among those aged <35 years. However, tumor size, number of metastatic lymph nodes, and surgical procedures were similar in two groups. The rate of triple negative status in younger patients was higher than in older patients. Adjuvant chemotherapy was effective in patients positive for hormone receptors and no lymph nodal invasion, and it was effective in patients negative for hormone receptors and lymph nodal invasion in patients aged >35 years old. Postoperative radiotherapy was statistically effective in patients aged <35 and ≥35 years old that underwent breast-conserving surgery. Pregnancy were significantly associated with survival in younger patients. While lymph node stage, presence of progesterone receptor, and triple negative status were significantly associated with survival on older patients. Conclusion The prognostic factors of breast cancer in patients younger than 35 years old were pregnancy. Triple negative status rate was higher in younger patients than in older patients. Adjuvant therapy had similar effects in patients aged <35 or ≥35 years old.