Effects of Young Age on Breast Cancer Survival
Author Information
Author(s): El Saghir Nagi S, Seoud Muhieddine, Khalil Mazen K, Charafeddine Maya, Salem Ziad K, Geara Fady B, Shamseddine Ali I
Primary Institution: American University of Beirut Medical Center
Hypothesis
Does young age at presentation affect survival in breast cancer patients?
Conclusion
Young age at presentation is associated with worse survival outcomes in breast cancer patients, despite higher hormone receptor positivity and more aggressive treatment.
Supporting Evidence
- Young patients had a higher percentage of positive hormone receptors.
- More young patients received anthracycline-based chemotherapy.
- Survival was significantly worse for patients under 35 years of age.
- Patients with positive lymph nodes had worse survival outcomes.
- Grade III tumors were more common in younger patients.
Takeaway
If you're young and have breast cancer, it might be harder to survive, even if you get good treatment.
Methodology
The study reviewed medical records of 1320 breast cancer patients, analyzing survival based on age groups using statistical methods including Chi-square and Cox regression.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the retrospective nature of the study and the specific patient population at a single medical center.
Limitations
The study is limited to a single institution and may not be generalizable to other populations.
Participant Demographics
Patients were primarily Lebanese women, with 56% being postmenopausal and a significant portion having a family history of breast cancer.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Confidence Interval
95% CI for hazard ratio: 1.04 – 4.49
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website