Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer among women. While over the years there have been significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, early onset breast cancer still presents a major challenge in the medical field.

Recent studies have shown that younger women are more likely to develop breast cancer and the disease has more aggressive characteristics, presenting increased risks of recurrence and mortality. A new study conducted by researchers at Harvard Medical School and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has now found that there is an increased risk of breast cancer metastasis for women under 35.

The Study

The study, which was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, analyzed data from over 225,000 breast cancer patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2015.

The patients’ data was taken from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program database, a comprehensive source of information on cancer incidence and survival in the US. The study focused on breast cancer patients with early-stage invasive disease and looked at the risk of distant metastasis over time.

The researchers also examined the patients’ characteristics and outcomes to determine if there were any differences based on age.

Findings of the Study

The study found that women under 35 with early-stage invasive breast cancer had a higher risk of developing distant metastasis compared to older women.

The risk of distant metastasis increased with decreasing age, with the highest risk seen in women under the age of 25. The study also found that younger women were more likely to have larger tumors and more aggressive types of breast cancer, which may explain the increased risk of metastasis.

Other factors that were found to increase the risk of metastasis included the presence of certain genetic mutations and hormone receptor status.

What is Breast Cancer Metastasis?

Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the site of the original tumor to other parts of the body. Breast cancer can metastasize to many different organs, including the bones, liver, lungs, and brain.

When breast cancer metastasizes, the cancer cells that travel to other parts of the body can form new tumors or lesions. When the cancer has metastasized, it is often referred to as advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer is much harder to treat than early-stage breast cancer.

While treatment can help manage the symptoms and prolong survival, it is usually not curable.

Why Are Young Women at Higher Risk of Metastasis?

While the exact mechanisms behind the increased risk of metastasis in younger women are not fully understood, there are several factors that may contribute to this higher risk.

One possible explanation is that younger women have more aggressive types of breast cancers. Younger women are also more likely to have cancers that are hormone receptor negative, meaning that the cancer cells do not have receptors for estrogen or progesterone. These cancers may grow more quickly and spread more easily.

Additionally, younger women may have weaker immune systems, which can make it harder for their bodies to fight off cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body.

What Can Be done to Reduce the Risk of Metastasis in Young Women?

The findings of the study highlight the need for increased awareness and screening for young women who are at higher risk for metastatic breast cancer.

Younger women who are diagnosed with early-stage invasive breast cancer should be closely monitored for signs of metastasis. This can include regular imaging tests and blood work to look for signs of cancer in other parts of the body.

Women who are at higher risk of metastasis, such as those with aggressive types of breast cancer or certain genetic mutations, may also benefit from additional treatments such as chemotherapy or targeted therapy.

In addition to monitoring and treatment, women may also be able to reduce their risk of metastasis by making certain lifestyle changes.

Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can all help to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of cancer metastasis.

Conclusion

The new study highlights the increased risks of breast cancer metastasis in women under the age of 35.

Younger women with early-stage invasive breast cancer should be closely monitored for signs of metastasis and may benefit from additional treatments and lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of the disease spreading. Increased awareness and screening, as well as continued research into the mechanisms behind metastasis in young women, are needed to better understand and treat this challenging disease.