In these women, tumors are larger and their disease is more likely to have spread to the lymph nodes. However, most experts feel that the disease itself is not different in young patients, although this is the subject of ongoing research. Every woman diagnosed with breast cancer must decide on the course of her treatment with her physician. Lumpectomy must be followed by radiation treatment for the maximum survival benefit. Some young women treated with chemotherapy retain their fertility after treatment is completed, and others find that their period does not return after chemotherapy or hormonal treatment.
Several studies document safe and successful pregnancies in young breast cancer survivors.
A woman considering pregnancy is generally counseled to wait two or more years after treatment, the period in which cancer is most likely to recur. What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer and Mammography. Free brochures from the National Cancer Institute. Things to Know About Quality Mammograms. A free brochure available in English and Spanish from the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research.