Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide including cancers in young patients [defined as 40 years]. As compared to tumors arising in older patients, breast cancers in young women tend to be diagnosed at more advanced stages and to harbor more aggressive biological features. Young age at breast cancer diagnosis has been historically considered a poor prognostic factor particularly in the case of luminal-like breast cancers. Disparities in tumor biology, inappropriate treatment and lower therapeutic adherence to systemic therapies may be considered potential explanations for these findings. Importantly, when managing young women with newly diagnosed breast cancer, specific age-related issues should be considered of high relevance. Among them, management of long-term side effects, fertility preservation, genetic counseling, impact on social and couple relationships and working life are highly relevant. Therefore, the care of young women with breast cancer is particularly complex and a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory.
Manuscripts to be considered of interest to this special issue will include Original Research articles and Reviews focused specifically in the field of breast cancer in young patients [defined as 40 years at the time of diagnosis]. Articles should aim to discuss any aspect of breast cancer but focusing on the specific issues faced by women diagnosed at a young age. Clarifying the differences in the approach and management of this special patient population is crucial and special attention is needed in this regard.
The aim of the Research Topics is to provide updates and news in the field of breast cancer in young patients. Heterogeneous topics in all areas of breast cancer in young patients spanning from epidemiology to treatment and its long-term consequences would be covered. Important topics to include are:
1] Epidemiology
2] Biology and translational findings
3] Genetic counseling
4] Imaging and screening modalities
5] Surgical and radiotherapy approaches
6] Chemotherapy, endocrine therapy and targeted therapy approaches
7] Fertility preservation and pregnancy-related issues
8] Survivorship and follow-up care
9] Management of treatment-related side effects
Keywords: Breast cancer, young, anticancer treatments, genetic, side effects
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.