Aggressive breast cancer in young women: Single-center experience

Aim: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women, with poorer survival outcomes in younger patients. Adolescents and young adults (AYAs), typically defined as women under 40–45 years, often present with aggressive tumor subtypes and advanced-stage disease. This study analyzes the epidemiological and demographic characteristics of breast cancer patients under 45 at our center to provide insights into this high-risk group. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 90 breast cancer patients aged 45 years or younger, diagnosed at our clinic between January 2015 and December 2023. Results: A total of 90 female breast cancer patients, with a median age of 39 years (25–45), were analyzed in our study. At diagnosis, 27.8% were in early stages (stage 1–2), 57.8% had locally advanced disease (stage 3), and 14.4% were de novo metastatic. Axillary lymph node positivity was observed in 72.2%, and invasive ductal carcinoma was the most common histological subtype (61.1%).Tumor grades 2 and 3 were identified in 24.4% and 56.7% of patients, respectively. Hormonal receptor positivity was detected in 86.7% of patients, HER2 positivity in 41.1%, and BRCA mutation in 20%. Metastases were most commonly found in the bone (20%) and lung (12.2%). Conclusion: Our study underscores the aggressive nature of breast cancer in young patients, marked by advanced stages and high-risk features at diagnosis. These findings highlight the need for enhanced early detection and personalized treatment approaches to improve outcomes for young breast cancer patients.