Breast cancer in young women

While most cases of breast cancer occur in women over 50, around 400 New Zealand women under the age of 44 are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. These days, breast cancer is much more treatable if detected early, and there are many women still thriving decades after experiencing breast cancer at a young age.

Younger women share some things in common with older women going through breast cancer. The tests for breast cancer, receiving biopsy results, the surgical options and the types of treatment are usually similar. But there are specific concerns more relevant to younger women, which are covered here.

• Fertility preservation
  If you might want to become pregnant after treatment, look into preserving your fertility.
• Early menopause and bone health
  Your treatment may cause premature menopause. Find out how this could affect you.
• Treatment during pregnancy
  Learn how treatments are organised so that they don’t affect your child’s development.
• Inherited risk
  If you have close family members with breast cancer, you may need to be referred to the Genetic Service to assess your risk of inherited breast cancer.