Breast cancer in young women: implications for clinical practice

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed neoplasm and principal one responsible for most death in women, specially under the age of 40. Hereditary and genetic syndromes are more prevalent among young breast cancer patients and require genetic counseling. Young women also exhibit larger tumors, with more frequent nodal involvement and aggressive features (triple negative, high grade and proliferation rate) than menopausal women. Fertility preservation and pregnancy-associated cancer are issues specific to this age group and need to be addressed accordingly.