Younger Age as a Prognostic Indicator in Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): H Kheirelseid, Jennifer M E Boggs, Catherine Curran, Ronan W Glynn, Cara Dooley, Karl J Sweeney, Michael J Kerin
Primary Institution: National University of Ireland, Galway
Hypothesis
Do younger women with breast cancer have a more aggressive form of the disease and a worse prognosis compared to older women?
Conclusion
Breast cancer in younger women has distinct histopathological characteristics; however, this does not result in a reduced survival in this population.
Supporting Evidence
- Younger women had a higher tumor grade and stage compared to older women.
- There was no significant difference in overall survival between the two age groups.
- Factors like tumor size and treatment received were independent predictors of overall survival.
Takeaway
Younger women with breast cancer often have different tumor characteristics, but they don't necessarily have a shorter life expectancy than older women with the disease.
Methodology
Data was collected from a review of charts and a prospectively reviewed database, comparing 276 women under 40 with 2869 women over 40.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in matching younger and older patients for survival analysis.
Limitations
The study may not account for all confounding factors affecting survival outcomes.
Participant Demographics
276 women diagnosed with breast cancer under 40 and 2869 women over 40.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.587
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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