Clinicopathological features of breast cancer in women ≤35 years: A retrospective single-center study

Objective: Although breast cancer (BC) predominantly affects women aged ≥ 50 years, its incidence among younger women is increasing. Younger patients often present with aggressive biological features. This study aimed to compare the clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes between BC patients aged ≤35 years and those >35 years.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 933 BC patients treated at Kocaeli University between 2006 and 2011. Patients were stratified by age (≤35 vs >35y). Demographics, tumor characteristics (TNM stage, grade, receptor status, lymph node involvement), and overall survival were analyzed.Results: Median age was 52 years (24-89). Of the total cohort, 6% were ≤ 35 years and 46% were premenopausal. Younger patients more frequently had T3 tumors (23% vs. 10%; p=0.049). However, no significant differences were observed regarding nodal status, histological grade, receptor expression, or survival (5-years OS 72% vs.74%, p=0.629). Each one-year increase in age was associated with an increased mortality risk (OR 1.04; 95% Cl, 1.02-1.06). Conclusion: While younger BC patients in our cohort presented more frequently with advanced T stage, their pathological features and survival rates were largely comparable across age groups. These results highlight importance of individualized management in young women and underscore the need for prospective studies to define age-specific prognostic and therapeutic implications.