Would especially young age (eg 20's) influence your recommendation for breast conservation vs mastectomy in an early stage breast cancer?
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
For younger patients, as with older patients, the final recommendation is influenced by the discussion of risks and benefits. I have treated women in their 20's with BCS+RT as well as post-mastectomy RT. For those electing BCS, the evidence clearly points to a higher risk of local relapse in younger...
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Community Practice
I agree with above. The data on local recurrence in young patients is mixed and is confounded by a higher association with aggressive disease and development of a new primary with longer follow up. One should make sure that the underlying genetic risk like p53 (especially in women in their 20s)...
Comments
Radiation Oncologist at Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center I always recommend genetic counseling and a consul...
Radiation Oncologist at Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center I agree.
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
I agree with @Sushil Beriwal and @Bruce G. Haffty. The data on LR is also confounded in this day and age with advancments in systemic therapy, which many young breast cancer patients require as they typically have biologically unfavorable disease. The authors in B-06 acknowledged this, and I'm ...
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Community Practice
I don't want to be overly dramatic, but it appears we are on the verge of an "orgy of data" that breast conserving therapy leads to significantly improved overall survival versus mastectomy in early stage breast cancer. The data from patients age <40 has been sparse here, however. That said, rand...