Abstract P2-03-04: Assessing and Addressing the Distinct Psychosocial Needs of Young Women with Breast Cancer

Abstract Background/Objective: Although young women under 45 represent only 11% of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients annually in the US, their physical and psychosocial experiences are distinct. Diagnosis often raises concerns about fertility, family planning, sexual function, body image, acceptance by partner(s) and family, and career trajectory. In 2023, MSKCC launched the Young Women with Breast Cancer Program (YWBCP) to provide streamlined comprehensive care, support, education, and research opportunities tailored for women 45 and younger. Methods: The YWBCP administered an online 35-question patient-reported intake survey to women 45 and younger with newly diagnosed breast cancer. It assesses psychological status, fertility and family history, sexual health, and body image before treatment. All women registered at MSKCC for new appointments received the option to participate. Quantitative analysis was performed. Results: From 5/2023- 5/2024, 72.2% (600/820) of women with stage 0-IV breast cancer ages 19-45 completed the YWBCP Intake Survey on MSK Engage within six weeks of their initial visit. 78.2% (469/600) remained at MSKCC for primary treatment. The mean and median age of participants was 38.7 and 40 years, respectively. 51% (305/595) of women reported experiencing high levels (very much or quite a bit) of anxiety in the previous 28 days. 58% (171/298) reported being very much or quite a bit worried about how cancer will affect their friends/family and 52% (76/180) were very much or quite a bit worried about discussing cancer with friends/family. 46% (71/155) were very much or quite a bit worried about trouble with school or work and 43% (48/110) were very much or quite a bit worried about trouble parenting. 41% (38/92) were very or quite a bit worried about relationships and 58% (98/169) about money problems. 22% (130/586) reported wanting to speak to a social worker about how to discuss their diagnosis with their children, parents, and friends. Patients reported preference for individual therapy 34%( 206/600), support groups 32% (189/600), support for family 30% (177/600), recreational programs 19% (112/600), peer-to-peer programs 18% (109/600), and other mental health resources 17% (103/600). 37% (224/581) of women were very or quite a bit concerned that their cancer would affect their ability to be physically intimate. Regarding fertility, 17% (100/595) already protected future fertility, 27%(159/595) had not yet, but wanted to and 56% (336/595) were not interested. 41% (245/600) wanted more info about having children in the future. Conclusion: The YWBCP tailors its services to meet the needs reported by newly diagnosed breast cancer patients ages 45 and younger. Expert social work and educational services were developed to address the needs of these women given their significant anxiety and distress. Likewise, reproductive and sexual health counseling are key components of our program. The YWBCP will continue to develop programs and services to help address the concerns of these young women. Further analysis of the six-month and one-year surveys will be crucial in identifying programmatic and service gaps and guide the development of evidence-based interventions. Citation Format: Shari Goldfarb, Alanna Jamner, Cassandra Chang, Padmapriya Subramanian, Jeannie Englehardt, Morgan Moy, Mary Gemignani. Assessing and Addressing the Distinct Psychosocial Needs of Young Women with Breast Cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2024; 2024 Dec 10-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2025;31(12 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-03-04.