The rule of mortality risk in young women (≤35 years) with primary breast cancer

Abstract

21098 Background: The prognosis of young women (=35 years) is poorer than that of women over 35 years, which may indicate that they bear different biologic characteristics. However, such data is still not available at home and abroad as the rule of mortality risk in young women and its distinction from that in women over 35 years. We sought to investigate the clinical characteristics, prognosis and the rule of mortality risk in young women (=35 years) with primary breast cancer. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 2331 female unilateral breast cancer patients undergoing surgery in our hospital from January 1990 to October 2005.They were divided into two groups with the cut-off of 35 years. Selection criteria included complete data on the following: age, tumor size, axillary nodal status, estrogen receptor (ER) status, menopausal status.Overall survival curve was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method and annual mortality hazard by hazard function. Their clinicopathologic indices, overall survival curve and annual mortality hazard were analyzed. Results: There was statistical significance between =35 years and >35 years group in terms of tumor size( P =0.0231), axillary nodal status( P <0.001) and estrogen receptor status( P =0.064). 10-year overall survival was 72% and 79% ( P = 0.0081), respectively, for =35 years and >35 years group. Although annual mortality hazard curve for both groups showed double-peaked pattern, there also exist some differences. Mortality surges for =35 years patients appeared earlier than those for >35 years counterparts. Moreover, =35 years group showed a minor increase between double peaks, which cannot be found in >35 years group. Conclusions: Between the two groups, different tumor biology leads to the discrepancy of overall survival and mortality pattern, which might indicate distinct principles and measures in the follow-up and treatment for young patients to provide the possibility of improving the therapeutic effect and reducing the mortality hazard. No significant financial relationships to disclose.