Original Research Article
Year: 2021 | Month: July | Volume: 8 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 278-285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20210739
Trends in Epidemiology and Management of Breast Cancer in Women Under 46 Years: Institutional Experience from a Tertiary Cancer Centre in Eastern India
Sourav Kumar Ghosh1, Sanskriti Poddar2, Krishnangshu Bhanja Choudhury3
1R.M.O cum Clinical Tutor, Department of Radiotherapy, R. G. Kar Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata, India.
2MD Post Graduate Trainee, Department of Radiotherapy, R. G. Kar Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata, India.
3Assistant Professor, Department of Radiotherapy, R. G. Kar Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata, India.
Corresponding Author: Krishnangshu Bhanja Choudhury
ABSTRACT
Background: Breast cancer in younger women is a growing burden both in developed and Asian subcontinent. Despite studies showing varying results about the impact of age on treatment outcome and suboptimal survival, very few robust Indian studies have thrown light on this biologically different entity.
Methods: Histologically / cytologically confirmed cases of non-sarcomatous, female ductal breast carcinoma patients of age group less than and equal to 45 years of all stages attending radiotherapy department of R.G Kar Medical College between January 2016-December 2018 were included in the study. Relevant information was obtained from patient`s files/case records. Database was locked on 31st March 2021.The baseline demographic profile, cancer subsites along with treatment provided were analysed using SPSS version 16 (IBM Inc, Armonk, New York, U.S.). Descriptive data are provided.
Results: Total 272 patients were eligible for the study as per the inclusion criteria with median age of 39 years (22-45 years). Majority were urban married Hindu females. Majority were locally advanced and node positive high grade disease as per AJCC 7th staging system. Modified radical mastectomy was significantly higher than breast conservation surgery as the surgical modality (76 vs. 8.9%). 31.2%, 54.5% patients received neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy respectively.61% patients received curative intent radiotherapy either in conventional or hypofractionated schedule. Myelosuppression and oral mucositis were the major treatment related adverse events. Overall median PFS was 48 months.
Conclusion: Breast cancer in younger age group is distinct in terms of disease biology. Effective screening and diagnostics modalities with focus on mass awareness amongst patients and health care workers are the cornerstone of improving outcome and survival.
Keywords: breast cancer, young females, retrospective single institutional study.
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