Too young for breast cancer?

BOSTON -- Eleven thousand women under age 40 are diagnosed with breast cancer each year -- a small but significant percentage of the overall cancer population. One doctor is reaching out to help young patients deal with the cancer.

Cynthia Shelton is enjoying a rare moment of relaxation. The 35-year-old single mom works full-time and is in the Army Reserves. Two years ago, she also found out she had breast cancer. “I had just got divorced a couple of months before I found out, so it was a bad year all around,” Shelton said.

Suddenly, questions like would she date again and could she -- or should she -- have more children became more complicated. “I was afraid that breast cancer would run genetically in a female,” Shelton explained.

Breast Cancer Specialist Ann Partridge, M.D., from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, helps young women like Shelton cope with their diagnosis. “Younger women, in general, have a harder time finding one another to discuss the issues related to their breast cancer and treatment,” Dr. Partridge said.

Those issues include premature menopause, emotional issues, such as dating with one breast or scars, and preserving fertility. Options include freezing eggs, freezing ovarian tissue, and in-vitro fertilization. Dr. Partridge continued, “The only technique that has been actually shown to work is the IVF prior to chemotherapy.” But there is good news. “To date, there is no evidence that having a pregnancy after a diagnosis of breast cancer increases the risk that a breast cancer would return.”

Dr. Partridge’s passion comes from the experience of her friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 30. “She was initially told, ‘Oh, you have nothing to worry about, you’re too young to get breast cancer.'” She urges young women to never tolerate such a response if they notice lumps or a skin change.

Dr. Partridge works closely with the Young Survival Coalition, a network of young breast cancer survivors. The non-profit group advocates for more studies about young women and breast cancer, educates young women about detecting cancer, and brings together survivors to talk about some of their unique issues.