The Incidence And Characteristics Of Breast Cancer In Women Are Very Young ≤ 35 Years At H. Adam Malik Hospital

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The Incidence and Characteristics of Breast Cancer in Women ≤ 35 Years at H. Adam Malik Hospital

Introduction

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women, and its incidence in women under the age of 35 is a growing concern. At H. Adam Malik Hospital, a research study was conducted to evaluate the incidence and characteristics of breast cancer among women in this age group. The study aimed to identify the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment outcomes of breast cancer in young women, which can help in developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Background

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer accounts for 11.7% of all cancer cases in women. In Indonesia, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer among women, accounting for 14.1% of all cancer cases. The incidence of breast cancer in women under the age of 35 is relatively low, but it is increasing rapidly. At H. Adam Malik Hospital, the incidence of breast cancer in women under the age of 35 was found to be 9.08% between 2013 and 2017.

Research Methods

This study was a descriptive research conducted in the Oncology Surgery Division of the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra (FK USU) at H. Adam Malik Hospital, Medan. The study included all women diagnosed with breast cancer during the study period. The inclusion criteria were women under the age of 35 with a confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer. The exclusion criteria were women with a history of breast cancer or other types of cancer. Data processing was carried out using the SPSS version 22 program, which allowed statistical analysis and presentation in the form of frequency distribution tables.

Research Results

Of the total 1,277 breast cancer patients, 116 patients (9.08%) came from very young age groups (≤ 35 years). The striking characteristic of this patient group was that the majority came with the main complaint in the form of a lump in the breast (43.1%). Interestingly, 94% of these patients did not have a family history of breast cancer, which suggests that genetic factors may not be the main cause in this case. Other factors that can be analyzed from this study are the age of menarche, where 75.9% of patients experienced menarche at the age of ≥ 12 years. As many as 62.1% of these patients had a history of breastfeeding, which is often associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. In terms of cancer stage, most patients were in stage II (36.2%) with a grading tumor II (50.9%). The most commonly found cancer subtype was Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) with a proportion of 38.8%.

Discussion

The results of this study indicate that although breast cancer is more rare in young women compared to women at an older age, the incidence of 9.08% at H. Adam Malik Hospital needs attention. Breast cancer diagnosed at a young age often has a worse prognosis, especially in cases detected at an advanced stage. Lack of family history of breast cancer among patients can be an important consideration for further research on risk factors that may not be identified. The main complaint in the form of a lump commonly found in patients shows the importance of education and counseling about early detection of breast cancer among young women. With a better understanding of the symptoms of breast cancer, it is expected to increase awareness to conduct routine examinations, which can help in detecting cancer at an earlier stage and increasing the possibility of successful treatment.

Conclusion

From the results of research at H. Adam Malik Hospital, it was revealed that breast cancer in women under the age of 35 showed an incidence of 9.08%. The patient's characteristics show that most do not have a family history of breast cancer, and show various other factors that need to be considered in the prevention and handling of breast cancer among young women. Further research is needed to explore more about risk factors and effective prevention efforts.

Recommendations

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

  1. Early detection and screening: Education and counseling about early detection of breast cancer among young women are essential. Routine examinations and mammography screening should be conducted regularly to detect cancer at an early stage.
  2. Risk factor identification: Further research is needed to identify risk factors that may not be identified, such as genetic factors, lifestyle factors, and environmental factors.
  3. Prevention efforts: Effective prevention efforts should be developed and implemented to reduce the incidence of breast cancer among young women.
  4. Treatment outcomes: Treatment outcomes for breast cancer in young women should be evaluated to identify the most effective treatment strategies.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

  1. Small sample size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
  2. Selection bias: The study population may be biased towards women who are more likely to seek medical attention, which may not be representative of the general population.
  3. Data collection: The data collection method used in this study may be subject to errors or biases.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

  1. Identifying risk factors: Further research is needed to identify risk factors that may not be identified, such as genetic factors, lifestyle factors, and environmental factors.
  2. Developing prevention efforts: Effective prevention efforts should be developed and implemented to reduce the incidence of breast cancer among young women.
  3. Evaluating treatment outcomes: Treatment outcomes for breast cancer in young women should be evaluated to identify the most effective treatment strategies.

By understanding the incidence and characteristics of breast cancer in women under the age of 35, healthcare providers can develop effective prevention and treatment strategies to reduce the burden of breast cancer among young women.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Breast Cancer in Women ≤ 35 Years

Q: What is the incidence of breast cancer in women under the age of 35?

A: The incidence of breast cancer in women under the age of 35 is relatively low, but it is increasing rapidly. At H. Adam Malik Hospital, the incidence of breast cancer in women under the age of 35 was found to be 9.08% between 2013 and 2017.

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

A: The most common symptom of breast cancer in young women is a lump in the breast. Other symptoms may include changes in the size or shape of the breast, nipple discharge, or skin changes.

Q: Can breast cancer be prevented?

A: While there is no surefire way to prevent breast cancer, there are several steps that can be taken to reduce the risk. These include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding exposure to radiation.

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

A: The risk factors for breast cancer in young women are not well understood, but they may include genetic factors, lifestyle factors, and environmental factors. Further research is needed to identify the specific risk factors.

Q: How is breast cancer diagnosed in young women?

A: Breast cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, imaging tests (such as mammography or ultrasound), and biopsy.

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

A: The treatment options for breast cancer in young women depend on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the individual's overall health. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these.

Q: Can young women with breast cancer have children?

A: Yes, many young women with breast cancer are able to have children. However, the decision to have children should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.

Q: How can young women reduce their risk of breast cancer?

A: Young women can reduce their risk of breast cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding exposure to radiation, and getting regular mammograms.

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

A: The prognosis for young women with breast cancer depends on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the individual's overall health. With early detection and treatment, many young women with breast cancer are able to achieve a good outcome.

Q: Where can young women with breast cancer get support?

A: Young women with breast cancer can get support from a variety of sources, including healthcare providers, support groups, and online resources.

Q: What are the common myths about breast cancer in young women?

A: Some common myths about breast cancer in young women include:

  • Breast cancer is rare in young women.
  • Breast cancer is always a death sentence.
  • Young women with breast cancer are always infertile.
  • Breast cancer is always caused by genetic factors.

Q: What are the common facts about breast cancer in young women?

A: Some common facts about breast cancer in young women include:

  • Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among young women.
  • The incidence of breast cancer in young women is increasing rapidly.
  • Breast cancer can be diagnosed at any age, including in young women.
  • Early detection and treatment are key to a good outcome.

Q: What are the common resources for young women with breast cancer?

A: Some common resources for young women with breast cancer include:

  • American Cancer Society (ACS)
  • National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF)
  • Susan G. Komen for the Cure
  • Young Survival Coalition (YSC)

By understanding the incidence and characteristics of breast cancer in women under the age of 35, young women can take steps to reduce their risk and seek support if they are diagnosed with breast cancer.