Abstract
Introduction The aim of this study was to compare epidemiological characteristics of breast cancer in young adolescent women (YAW) versus older women (OW). Methods This was a cross-sectional prospective observational study, conducted in Ward 3, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi, Pakistan, from September 2021 to February 2022. A total of 120 female patients were recruited in this study from the Outpatient Department of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, out of which 22 patients were below the age of 40 years and 98 were above 40 years. For breast cancer diagnosis, we used the triple assessment method involving clinical examination, radiology, and histopathology. Diagnosed patients were further evaluated for hormonal status and metastatic workup. Results were noted on a performa, and differences between both age groups were analyzed. Results Out of 120 patients, 22 were younger than 40 years and 98 were older than 40 years. YAW used to present late after the appearance of symptoms. Patients of both age groups mostly presented with breast lumps (68.18% in YAW and 81.6% in OW). YAW presented with larger sizes of lumps and with more nodal involvement as compared to OW. BI-RADS IV (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System Category IV) was the most commonly observed (27.27% in YAW and 48.97% in OW) mammographic finding in both age groups. Invasive ductal carcinoma was the most common histological type in both age groups (72.73% in YAW and 76.53% in OW). The triple-negative disease was more commonly found in YAW than OW (40.91% in YAW vs 21.43% in OW). We found that usually YAW presented at advanced stages (stages III and IV, 54.55%) and higher grades (grade III, 63.63%). Conclusion Breast cancer in young patients is rare but more aggressive with higher grades, advanced stages, and poor prognostic features. Heredity is mainly the risk factor in young breast cancer patients. There should be proper screening programs for high-risk group for early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Other age-specific concerns such as psychological impact of disease should be addressed as well.