Young Age as a Prognostic Factor in Stage 1 Breast Cancer

Keimyung Medical Journal 2010;29(2):83-89.

1기 유방암에서 젊은 연령이 예후에 끼치는 영향

강선희

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to assess the impact of young age on outcome in stage I breast cancer. Method and Materials: Between 1995 and 2005; 315 patients with stage I breast cancer were included and we reviewed medical records retrospectively. The patients were divided into three groups; based on age at the time of diagnosis: age ≤ 35 years; 36-45 years; > 46 years. The analyzed factors were tumor size; estrogen receptor status; operation method; adjuvant treatment.
Results
Of all 315 patients; 36 (11.4%) were aged ≤ 35 years; 90 (28.6%) were aged 36 to 45 years; 189 (60.0%) were aged > 45 years. The median follow up was 62.6 months (range 1.2- 157.2) and 26 (8.25%) patients were recurred. The 5 year-disease free survival rate was 82.4% for age ≤ 35 years compared with 92.3% for age > 45 years (p=0.002). The 10 years disease free survival showed 67.9% for age ≤ 35 years; 89.4% for age > 45 years (p=0.002). Multivariate analysis of disease free survival showed that relative risk of aged ≤ 35 years group was 2.77 times higher than aged >45 years group. For clinicopathologic factors according to age groups; aged ≤ 35 years group was more likely to have estrogen receptor negative tumors and receive adjuvant chemotherapy and breast conservation operation.
Conclusions
Although prognosis of stage I breast cancer is very excellent; younger patients (age≤35) have worse prognosis than older patients. Age under 35 years is independent factor of recurrence in stage I breast cancer.

Key Words: Breast cancer, Prognosis, Stage I, Young age.