Cynthia Villarreal-Garza1, Bertha Alejandra Martinez-Cannon, Alejandra Platas, Pier Ramos-Elias. 1. aCentro de Cancer de Mama del Hospital Zambrano Hellion, Tecnologico de Monterrey, San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon bDepartamento de Investigacion y de Tumores Mamarios del Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia, Mexico City cEscuela de Medicina, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Because of the recognized impact of breast cancer and its treatment on a young woman's life, initiatives are being established worldwide. The main aim of this review was to describe existing specialized programs that support young women with breast cancer (YWBC), advances to date, current challenges and future actions. RECENT FINDINGS: Current programs for YWBC are now educating professionals, patients, and communities on their specific needs. Also, support groups have helped break isolation and connect YWBC together. Research on biology, treatment, adverse effects, risk factors, genetics, and social aspects on YWBC is now being actively conducted. In low- and middle-income countries, the particular issues of young women are, however, still not systematically addressed, because of scarce funding, lack of awareness of YWBC needs, and deficient provider training. SUMMARY: Practice guidelines and algorithms should be disseminated and available for their widespread use to allow standard clinical and supportive care for YWBC even in oncologic centers where no specific programs exist. Also, cancer centers should formally commit to financing, at least partially, dedicated services, and existing programs for YWBC, guaranteeing their continuity. Finally, interinstitutional and international collaborations should be encouraged to facilitate adequately powered research, to avoid repetitive efforts, and to promote knowledge sharing and translation.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Because of the recognized impact of breast cancer and its treatment on a young woman's life, initiatives are being established worldwide. The main aim of this review was to describe existing specialized programs that support young women with breast cancer (YWBC), advances to date, current challenges and future actions. RECENT FINDINGS: Current programs for YWBC are now educating professionals, patients, and communities on their specific needs. Also, support groups have helped break isolation and connect YWBC together. Research on biology, treatment, adverse effects, risk factors, genetics, and social aspects on YWBC is now being actively conducted. In low- and middle-income countries, the particular issues of young women are, however, still not systematically addressed, because of scarce funding, lack of awareness of YWBC needs, and deficient provider training. SUMMARY: Practice guidelines and algorithms should be disseminated and available for their widespread use to allow standard clinical and supportive care for YWBC even in oncologic centers where no specific programs exist. Also, cancer centers should formally commit to financing, at least partially, dedicated services, and existing programs for YWBC, guaranteeing their continuity. Finally, interinstitutional and international collaborations should be encouraged to facilitate adequately powered research, to avoid repetitive efforts, and to promote knowledge sharing and translation.
Authors: Cynthia Villarreal-Garza; Alejandra Platas; Melina Miaja; Alan Fonseca; Fernanda Mesa-Chavez; Marisol Garcia-Garcia; Judy-Anne Chapman; Edna A Lopez-Martinez; Claudia Pineda; Alejandro Mohar; Carmen L Galvez-Hernandez; Andrea Castro-Sanchez; Bertha-Alejandra Martinez-Cannon; Regina Barragan-Carrillo; Jose F Muñoz-Lozano; Paul Goss; Juan E Bargallo-Rocha; Dione Aguilar; Servando Cardona; Mauricio Canavati Journal: JCO Glob Oncol Date: 2020-03