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The denseness of breast tissues in younger women makes breast cancer difficult to detect during self-examination or mammography.
October has been designated as the Breast Cancer awareness month. The incidence of Breast Cancer is increasing in younger women. Breast Cancer in younger women brings along with the disease a number of social and cultural issues. Breast cancer affects all ages of women but the ramifications of the disease in younger women are different from the older women.
According to a report in Updates in Surgery, Breast cancer in younger women tends to be more aggressive, invasive and metastases much faster as compared to older women. The report suggests that breast cancer detection in younger women happens at an advanced stage when cancer spreads to other parts of the body. The chances of recurrence of Breast Cancer are also higher in younger women as compared to older women.
Higher Risk If Close Family Had Breast Cancer
Risk factors of breast cancer in younger women are almost the same as older women. The risk is higher if you have an incidence of breast cancer among your close relatives. Changes in breast cancer genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2), radiation therapy at a younger age, other breast health issues can increase the risks of getting breast cancer.
Late diagnosis of Breast Cancer in younger women is a cause of concern and there are a number of reasons for this. There is a myth that breast cancer cannot occur in young women which is not true. The denseness of breast tissues in younger women makes breast cancer difficult to detect during self-examination or mammography.
Preventing Breast Cancer – A Challenge
Preventing Breast Cancer in younger women could constitute a challenge. Young Women must be encouraged to regularly examine for lumps or discharge from their breasts and seek medical help if any of the above symptoms manifest themselves.
Treatment of Breast Cancer could vary according to circumstances. Treatment options include Mastectomy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation and boosting the body’s immunity to fight cancer-causing cells.
Cancer Therapy Comes With Financial Hurdles
Breast Cancer therapy in young women includes fertility issues also. Most of the young women who suffer from breast cancer are also at the peak of their careers and numerous social and financial issues can also crop up during breast cancer treatment. Young women who have breast cancer cannot be given chemotherapeutic drugs which negatively affect the process of oogenesis.
Such women can go through the process of preserving their ova cryogenically and use them later after the breast cancer treatment has been concluded. Young women who suffer from breast cancer will have to make suitable modifications to the birth control measures since birth control pills or Intra Uterine Devices may not be the best option. Such subjects can go for non-hormonal birth control measures.
Side effects of Breast Cancer treatment can include vaginal dryness, reduced sexual desire, anxiety, and an increased risk of bone fractures. Community support, family support is vital for helping young women breast cancer survivors back into active life.