Private MD News

Young breast cancer patients have a harder time coping

Category: Breast

Following lab testing that reveals a woman has breast cancer, her life changes in a number of ways. New research suggests that these changes may be more negative for younger women diagnosed with the condition.

For the study, researchers from the Univeristy of California, Los Angeles analyzed findings from 28 previous studies. They were looking for evidence of how a breast cancer diagnosis changes a woman's quality of life.

The results showed that individuals under the age of 50 were more likely to report psychological distress, enter menopause early, become infertile, gain weight or adopt a sedentary lifestyle.

The team said their findings underscore the need for educating patients who are about to undergo treatment for breast cancer. When a person knows what to expect, they are less likely to experience the psychological consequences associated with the various therapies.

"If they know what to expect, their anxiety level will be greatly reduced. Up to now, oncologists have not done a good job of preparing these women for what will come," said lead researcher Patricia Ganz.