BREAST CANCER IN YOUNG WOMEN UNDER 40 YEARS: CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS, TREATMENT PATTERNS, AND OUTCOMES

Background: Breast cancer in young women (40 years) presents unique clinical challenges with distinct biological characteristics and poorer prognosis. Limited data exists from North African populations regarding the epidemiology and outcomes of breast cancer in this demographic. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 153 women aged 40 years diagnosed with breast cancer at Mohamed VI Oncology Center, Casablanca, Morocco, between January 2023 and December 2024. Clinical, pathological, therapeutic, and survival data were analyzed. Molecular subtypes were classified based on hormone receptors and HER2 status. Conclusions: Breast cancer in young Moroccan women demonstrates aggressive features with high rates of advanced disease at presentation. The predominance of Luminal B subtype and high metastatic rates at diagnosis underscore the need for enhanced screening strategies and age-specific treatment protocols in this population.