Young Women's Breast Cancer Care
Compassionate breast cancer care
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Care for Breast Cancer in Young Adults
Breast cancer is rare under age 40. But when a diagnosis is made, young women face unique concerns about the present and the future. Cancer is always challenging, and it can be even more so at a time of life when family-building and career may be priorities.
Breast cancer types found in young women often are more aggressive than those in older women — and frequently are discovered at a later stage in the development of the disease. Young women with breast cancer may experience issues related to fertility, intimacy, child-rearing, finances and the workplace.
Our Expertise
The Joseph M. and Thelma Linsey BreastCare Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) provides comprehensive, compassionate support for breast cancer in people of all ages. Our doctors, social workers and staff are committed to working with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs at this specific time of your life. We also provide psycho-social support and help you connect you with others in a similar situation.
The BreastCare Center has a track record of innovative care that is sensitive to personal needs:
- Our faculty was a leader in pioneering breast conservation (lumpectomy and partial mastectomy) at a time when mastectomy was the standard therapy.
- We are a significant center of clinical research in new breast cancer therapies, including innovative surgical techniques, immune-based treatments and targeted therapies.
- Our doctor-researchers are widely known for their expertise in hereditary breast cancer, including the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 mutations, which disproportionally affect younger women.
What this means is that you can trust that you’re in good hands with us. At BIDMC, you’re sure to receive the latest treatment options in a caring environment filled with highly trained experts.
Our Services
To address your particular concerns as a young woman, our BreastCare Center provides services through:
- Innovative surgical techniques by our breast surgeons to preserve the breast's natural appearance, including hidden scar and onco-plastic surgery.
- Advanced breast reconstruction by our Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery team.
- Support and survivorship services offer support for young adults with cancer.
- Fertility preservation services in conjunction with Boston IVF.
- Comprehensive genetic testing and guidance by our experienced team of genetic counselors.
- Scalp cooling, which may help prevent chemotherapy-related hair loss.
- Our Center for Intimate Health and Wellness helps women manage sexual health and intimacy issues that may arise during and after cancer treatment.
- Lymphedema prevention and treatments by a BIDMC surgical team that is among few in the world with expertise in innovative bypass surgery.
About Breast Cancer in Young Women
There are many ways in which breast cancer under the age of 40 differs for each woman.
Mammography may not be effective in detecting breast cancer in young women because their breast tissue tends to be denser. Most young women with breast cancer discover it themselves.
At BIDMC, supplemental imaging such as ultrasound, MRI and contrast-enhanced mammography is, however, helpful in detecting breast cancer in young women.
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women under 40 years old in the United States. The BreastCare Center at BIDMC created our Young Women’s Breast Cancer Program to focus on the increasing volume and special needs of this group.
Breast cancer can complicate fertility, sometimes affecting a person’s ability to have children. Treatment can bring intimacy issues, sexual dysfunction and early menopause. You also may have questions about the safety of pregnancy after a cancer diagnosis. Programs like ours that provide special services can help you understand your options related to preserving fertility.
Women with young children often must care for their kids while undergoing treatment and coping with side effects. Psychosocial issues may include anxiety and depression. We can help.
Young women may be at a higher risk for breast cancer if they:
- Have changes (mutations) in the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene
- Are of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage
- Have close relatives who have had breast or ovarian cancer, especially before age 45
Advancing Care, Research & Education
Cancer Center
The Cancer Center is renowned for exceptional cancer care and for pioneering discoveries in cancer treatment.
Cancer Research Institute
The Cancer Research Institute is an interdisciplinary center focused on understanding cancer with the goal of curing it.
Cancer Education & Training
The Cancer Center offers comprehensive education and training opportunities for residents, fellows and researchers.
