Young women who have survived breast cancer suffer long side effects

Young women who survive breast cancer tend to suffer longer than their older physical and psychological side effects of the disease, and should receive a specific program, says a Dutch oncologist reached the 4th European Congress on Cancer Breast held in Hamburg (Germany).
Dr. Lonneke van de Poll-Franse, Comprehensive Cancer Center South in Eindhoven (Netherlands) studied the questionnaires completed by 183 patients in whom breast cancer was diagnosed 10 years ago. The answers show that two thirds of women always receive special care and more than half complain about specific disorders, the majority in their arm (35%) and fatigue (10%).

Age at diagnosis was seen as a key criterion, women older than 50 years at the time of screening for breast cancer significantly less related problems than younger (44% against 71%) and that, whatever the intensity and duration of chemotherapy.

"Considering fatigue for example, only 4% of women aged 50 years or older at diagnosis continue to complain 10 years later, whereas among younger women, 22% still suffer problems an unusual "fatigue, says Dr. van de Poll-Franse.

"We do not know exactly why this is so, but we think it is very likely related to the fact that women over age 50 are closer to the end of their career, they have more time for themselves and their families. They also have fewer responsibilities vis-à-vis their children, "suggests the specialist.

Participants indicated that they were satisfied to be followed by specialists. With the increase in survival and decrease in the number of oncologists in many countries, we can fear that new patients are neglected in favor of the "survivors".

"This particular group needs help in the form similar to those offered to new patients programs, offers Dr. van de Poll-Franse. Nowadays, there are all kinds of programs of care to deal with physical and emotional problems associated with the diagnosis of breast cancer. It is important that we provide the same type of service to women who have survived cancer, which, even if they are not sick, can still suffer greatly. "