Differences In The Value Of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (Tils) In The Female Breast Cancer Subtype At A Very Young Age In H. Adam Malik Medan Hospital

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Differences in the Value of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) in the Female Breast Cancer Subtype at a Very Young Age in H. Adam Malik Medan Hospital

Breast cancer is a significant concern in the health sector, particularly in teenage women and young adults, those who are 35 years and under. According to the data, the incident rate of breast cancer in this age group reaches 18.8 per 100,000 women, which is a cause for concern. Unfortunately, the five-year survival rate for stage IV breast cancer is very low, only 16%. In Indonesia, research related to breast cancer in very young women is still limited. Therefore, this study aims to explore the incidence and characteristics of breast cancer in women under 35 years who are treated at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan.

The Importance of Breast Cancer Research in Young Women

Breast cancer in young women is a challenge both in diagnosis and treatment. The high incidence of breast cancer among young women indicates the need for more attention to risk factors, better screening, and deep understanding of cancer pathology in this age group. Research has shown that breast cancer in young women tends to have a poor prognosis, which is a concern for healthcare providers and patients alike.

This study uses descriptive methods conducted in the Oncology Surgery Division of the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra (FK USU), H. Adam Malik Hospital, Medan. The sample analyzed consisted of all women of breast cancer patients treated between January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017, with the criteria for inclusion and exclusion that had been set. The data collected is processed and presented in the form of frequency distribution tables, with analysis using the SPSS version 22 program.

In this study, 1,277 breast cancer was found, of which 116 of them (9.08%) were very young women (≤ 35 years). From the characteristics of the patient, the majority complained of a lump (43.1%), had no family history of breast cancer (94%), and had menarche at the age of ≥ 12 years (75.9%). In addition, 62.1% of sufferers have a history of breastfeeding, with a cancer stage distribution mostly at stage II (36.2%), grading tumor II (50.9%), and 38.8% included in the Triple-negative cancer subtype (TNBC).

Understanding Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)

TNBC breast cancer, which is seen in 38.8% of the research sample, is the most aggressive subtype and is often found in young women. This subtype has no receptors for estrogen, progesterone, or her2, which makes it difficult to treat with hormone therapy or target. Therefore, the management of patients with TNBC requires a more aggressive and multidisciplinary approach.

The Role of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) in Breast Cancer

Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are a type of immune cell that infiltrates the tumor microenvironment. Research has shown that TILs play a crucial role in the immune response against cancer cells. In breast cancer, high levels of TILs have been associated with better prognosis and improved treatment outcomes. However, the value of TILs in the female breast cancer subtype at a very young age is not well understood.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

The results of this study confirm the importance of handling breast cancer in very young women in Indonesia. Further research is needed to better understand the biological mechanisms behind breast cancer in this group and to improve treatment results. Public awareness of signs of breast cancer, such as the presence of a lump in the breast, must be increased so that patients can get treatment early, which in turn will increase prognosis.

Efforts to reduce the incidence and increase the prognosis of breast cancer in young women need to be done through education, early screening, and further research in this field. The results of this study highlight the importance of understanding the value of TILs in the female breast cancer subtype at a very young age. Further research is needed to explore the role of TILs in breast cancer and to develop effective treatment strategies for young women with breast cancer.

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  1. Increased public awareness: Public awareness of signs of breast cancer, such as the presence of a lump in the breast, must be increased so that patients can get treatment early, which in turn will increase prognosis.
  2. Early screening: Early screening for breast cancer must be implemented to detect cancer at an early stage, which will improve treatment outcomes.
  3. Further research: Further research is needed to better understand the biological mechanisms behind breast cancer in young women and to improve treatment results.
  4. Development of effective treatment strategies: Effective treatment strategies must be developed for young women with breast cancer, taking into account the unique characteristics of breast cancer in this age group.

This study has several limitations, including:

  1. Small sample size: The sample size of this study is relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the results.
  2. Limited data: The data collected in this study is limited, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of breast cancer in young women.
  3. Selection bias: The selection bias in this study may have affected the results, as the sample was selected from a specific hospital and may not be representative of the general population.

Future research should focus on:

  1. Understanding the biological mechanisms behind breast cancer in young women: Further research is needed to better understand the biological mechanisms behind breast cancer in young women and to develop effective treatment strategies.
  2. Developing effective treatment strategies: Effective treatment strategies must be developed for young women with breast cancer, taking into account the unique characteristics of breast cancer in this age group.
  3. Increasing public awareness: Public awareness of signs of breast cancer, such as the presence of a lump in the breast, must be increased so that patients can get treatment early, which in turn will increase prognosis.

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of understanding the value of TILs in the female breast cancer subtype at a very young age. Further research is needed to explore the role of TILs in breast cancer and to develop effective treatment strategies for young women with breast cancer. The results of this study confirm the importance of handling breast cancer in very young women in Indonesia and highlight the need for increased public awareness, early screening, and further research in this field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Breast Cancer in Young Women

Q: What is breast cancer in young women?

A: Breast cancer in young women refers to breast cancer that occurs in women under the age of 35. This type of cancer is relatively rare, but it can be more aggressive and difficult to treat than breast cancer in older women.

Q: What are the symptoms of breast cancer in young women?

A: The symptoms of breast cancer in young women are similar to those in older women, including:

  • A lump or thickening in the breast
  • A change in the size or shape of the breast
  • Dimpling or puckering of the skin
  • Redness or scaliness of the skin
  • A nipple discharge or change in the nipple

Q: What are the risk factors for breast cancer in young women?

A: The risk factors for breast cancer in young women are similar to those in older women, including:

  • Family history of breast cancer
  • Genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2)
  • Radiation exposure
  • Previous history of breast cancer
  • Dense breast tissue

Q: What are the treatment options for breast cancer in young women?

A: The treatment options for breast cancer in young women are similar to those in older women, including:

  • Surgery (such as lumpectomy or mastectomy)
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Hormone therapy
  • Targeted therapy

Q: What is the prognosis for breast cancer in young women?

A: The prognosis for breast cancer in young women is generally good, especially if the cancer is detected early. However, the prognosis can be poorer if the cancer is diagnosed at a later stage or if it is more aggressive.

Q: How can I reduce my risk of breast cancer?

A: There are several ways to reduce your risk of breast cancer, including:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Exercising regularly
  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Limiting alcohol consumption
  • Getting regular mammograms and breast exams

Q: What is the role of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in breast cancer?

A: Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are a type of immune cell that infiltrates the tumor microenvironment. Research has shown that TILs play a crucial role in the immune response against cancer cells. In breast cancer, high levels of TILs have been associated with better prognosis and improved treatment outcomes.

Q: What is triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)?

A: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer that lacks estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and excess HER2 protein. TNBC is often more aggressive and difficult to treat than other subtypes of breast cancer.

Q: What are the challenges of treating breast cancer in young women?

A: The challenges of treating breast cancer in young women include:

  • Aggressive cancer
  • Limited treatment options
  • Higher risk of recurrence
  • Emotional and psychological impact on young women and their families

Q: What is the importance of public awareness and education about breast cancer in young women?

A: Public awareness and education about breast cancer in young women are crucial for early detection and treatment. By increasing awareness and education, we can reduce the incidence of breast cancer in young women and improve treatment outcomes.

Q: What are the future directions for research on breast cancer in young women?

A: Future research on breast cancer in young women should focus on:

  • Understanding the biological mechanisms behind breast cancer in young women
  • Developing effective treatment strategies for young women with breast cancer
  • Increasing public awareness and education about breast cancer in young women
  • Improving early detection and treatment of breast cancer in young women