Is breast cancer in young Latinas a different disease?

Background: Breast cancer appears to be more aggressive in young women (≤35 years). Race/ethnicity may further influence prognosis. The purpose of this review is to determine whether breast cancer in young Latinas differs from that in other women. Methods: Our institutional (1977–2000) and state (1988–2000) tumor registries were reviewed and breast cancer cases analyzed. Data are expressed as mean ± SEM. Results: At our institution, 56 (7%) of 748 breast cancer patients were ≤35 years old; 32 (57%) were Latina. Compared with non-Latinas, Latinas presented at a younger age (P <0.05) and had more stage III/IV disease (38% versus 29%; P >0.05) and bilaterality (22% versus 8%; P >0.05), and worse 5-year survival (63% versus 83%; P >0.05). Statewide data were consistent with our institutional data. Conclusions: Latinas comprise a disproportionate share of our young breast cancer population, and may suffer more aggressive disease than other young women. Young Latinas may benefit from more vigilant screening and should be considered for novel therapeutic protocols.