According to statistics, about 85 percent of breast cancer in women occurs after the age of 40. However, the more aggressive course of breast cancer seen under the age of 40 increases its importance. According to an analysis study published recently in the Journal of Radiology, it was noted that the death toll from breast cancer in women under the age of 40 increased for the first time since 1987. General Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Özcan Gökçe evaluated the study, which surprised the results.

The rate of loss of life is decreasing day by day thanks to the ever-developing treatment approaches and early diagnosis opportunities for breast cancer, which is among the most common cancers in women. Stating that in the aforementioned analysis study, it was shown that breast cancer death rates in women between the ages of 40 and 79 decrease between 1,2 percent and 2,2 percent every ten years, Yeditepe University Hospitals General Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Özcan Gökçe said, “An interesting data on women under the age of 40 drew attention. The rate of death from breast cancer in women between the ages of 20 and 39 increased by 0,5 percent. he said.

Why Does Mortality Increase in Women Under 40 Years of Age?

Reminding that studies to reduce the loss of life, defined as mortality in young women under the age of 40, have been going on for many years, Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital General Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Özcan Gökçe evaluated the result of the research that attracted attention.

“Due to the studies carried out for many years, the loss of life in young women between the ages of 20-40 has decreased with the increase in regular check-ups. In addition, with the development of oncological methods, the production of smart drugs, and the treatment of people with breast cancer at a young age, mortality (loss of life) rates under the age of 40 have decreased significantly. However, this research shows us that the rate of decrease in mortality in women under the age of 40 has stopped. There are two situations that can lead to this conclusion. Either the interest of women between the ages of 20-40 for regular examination for breast cancer control decreased or the incidence of breast cancer increased in this age group. It will take time to figure out which one is true.”

Saying that although it takes time to understand the result, Prof. Dr. Özcan Gökçe said, “I think women with breast cancer in their family or close environment get their check-ups regularly, those who do not do not have their check-ups.”

Awareness of Breast Cancer in Young People is Low

According to the information given by Prof. Dr. Gökçe, the majority of breast cancers under the age of 40 are seen together with BRCA-1 BRCA-2 gene mutations and familial cancers such as colon cancer and ovarian cancers. Otherwise, the risk of developing breast cancer under the age of 40 decreases. However, although there is no genetic factor, environmental factors, smoking, unhealthy diet can trigger the emergence of breast cancer at a young age.

Reminding that the late marriage of women and the increase in the fertility age above the 30s may also affect this situation, Prof. Dr. Gökçe said, “However, I still think that the most important factor is that they do not go to the doctor for breast checks. Because there is still a perception that breast cancer starts after the age of 40. For these reasons, the incidence of breast cancer in women under the age of 40 may be increasing”.

What Do Screening Programs Say?

Stating that screening a 40% population at a young age with a mammography in a disease seen over 10 years of age does not make sense worldwide. Dr. Gökçe pointed out that regular check-ups and ultrasound scans are very important in this age range, even if there is no screening.

Underlining that it is possible to detect breast cancer early in young women under the age of 40, with ultrasound control and biopsy from suspicious areas, Prof. Dr. Gökçe gave the following information about risk groups and necessary controls:

“First of all, we recommend that people under the age of 1 who have a first-degree relative with breast cancer have regular check-ups. Because individuals in this risk group are 40 times more likely to have breast cancer than the normal population. In addition, those who smoke, eat fast food, are obese and overweight, have used birth control pills for a long time, and take hormonal therapy for PCOS or endometriosis should definitely have regular checkups and ultrasonography under the age of 17. Although the father factor is less effective, it should be kept in mind that if there is colon cancer in the family, including the father, the susceptibility to breast cancer may be higher.

Full Recovery Chance is Very High During the Initial Stage

Pointing out that the chance of being completely cured in early-stage breast cancers, that is, breast cancers that have not passed stage-2, is quite high, Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital General Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Özcan Gökçe said, “However, theoretically, breast cancer encountered at a young age is more likely to progress more rapidly than people over the age of 40 or even 50. The progression and metastasis of breast cancer in a 70-year-old person is slower than in a 30-year-old person. Therefore, it is very important to catch breast cancer at an early stage, which occurs at a young age.

"Breast Cancer at a Young Age Also Requires a Multidisciplinary Approach”

Reminding that there are treatment options for women with breast cancer under the age of 40, Prof. Dr. Gökçe said, “When detected early, it is possible for these women to have a baby after full treatment. Aesthetic appearance can be preserved by placing prosthesis in the same session with breast skin-nipple protective methods.

“In these cases, classical breast cancer treatment is continued. There is a need for a radiologist to be able to scan, a pathologist to diagnose with biopsy, an oncologist to direct the treatment and follow-up, a surgeon to perform the surgery, a radiation oncologist to perform radiation oncology if necessary, and a psychiatrist to keep the patient's psychology intact throughout all these processes. Therefore, with a multidisciplinary approach, it is possible to keep the patient alive by providing full treatment even at a young age.”

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