A diagnosis of breast cancer can be a shock at any age, but breast cancer in young people presents unique challenges. In addition to managing a serious illness, younger people may also be early in their careers and raising, or planning to start, a family. They may also be concerned about finishing school, furthering a … Read more
Women who develop breast cancer when they’re relatively young – under age 45 – face a variety of issues unique to their stage of life.
Every year in the United States, one in 3,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy.
Kristen Collins was 40 years old when she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer – the most difficult type of breast cancer to treat. It was a heart-wrenching moment for Collins, who is the mother of three small children. “My heart sank when I heard the news,” said Collins. “I had three babies and … Read more
Empathizing with a cancer patient can be difficult. After all, many people haven’t had the experience of being diagnosed with cancer themselves, so knowing what to say when a loved one tells you about their illness can be tricky. “When someone you love is dealing with something like cancer, there’s a feeling of helplessness,” explains … Read more
Some people may think of breast cancer as a disease that only affects older women. But many young women can and do get breast cancer – just like Maggie Loucks, NP-C, who was diagnosed one week after her 28th birthday. “Hearing the words ‘the lump is malignant’ isn’t really anything you can prepare yourself to … Read more
Young women with breast cancer face many unique emotional challenges: They may be in college, dating, starting a career, raising a family, or trying to start one. “Cancer disrupts many aspects of young adulthood such as family planning, careers, relationships, sexuality, and sexual health,” said Karen Fasciano, PsyD, clinical psychologist and director of Dana-Farber’s Young … Read more