Treatment Considerations for Younger Patients With Breast Cancer

Clinical Pearls

Grant W. Carlson, MD, professor of surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, chief, Division of Plastic Surgery, Emory University Hospital, discusses treatment considerations for younger patients with breast cancer.

• Understanding tumor biology and the necessity for systemic and radiation therapy impacts local choices for a surgeon
• Younger patients with breast cancer are unique with regard to psychological and social needs, marital status, desire to have children, and health
• Most younger patients are image-conscious and seek out breast reconstruction