Fragmento

Young women with breast cancer (BC) are a special population with distinctive genetic, clinical, and psychosocial features and requirements based on at least three considerations: (1) Cancer presentation at young age is often diagnosed at advanced stages, hence its prognosis is worse compared to their older counterparts; (2) young BC patients often receive aggressive and prolonged systemic treatments that can be associated with significant longterm morbidity; and (3) young women with BC experience substantial psychosocial vulnerability resulting from high levels of distress and depression associated with oncological interventions. These factors pose complex issues for young patients with BC, particularly in regard to their family dynamics, social and professional lives, and self-development, thereby substantially undermining their quality of life. To receive better clinical care and to address their particular needs, comprehensive programs for young BC patients have been actively conducted, predominantly in developed countries, such as the USA and Canada. However, in limited-resource settings, cancer-control efforts have been predominantly aimed to improve medical care, while survivorship issues are not highly prioritized and supportive care for young BC patients is often neglected. This hampers survivors rebuild their physical, emotional, social, professional, and personal well-being.

Palabras clave:

2017-09-08   |   404 visitas   |   Evalua este artículo 0 valoraciones

Vol. 69 Núm.4. Julio-Agosto 2017 Pags. 179-180 Rev Invest Clin 2017; 69(4)