Young Women with Breast Cancer: Assessing the Unmet needs Longitudinally

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women globally, with 2.3 million new cases in 2020, accounting for 24.2 percent of all female cancer diagnoses. In India, it has surpassed cervical cancer as the leading cancer among women, marking a significant demographic shift. While breast cancer primarily affects older women, younger women under 40 years constitute a notable proportion of cases. Globally, this age group accounts for approximately 7 percent of cases, but in India, the rate is higher, ranging from 9.77 percent to 15–20 percent.

For young breast cancer patients, diagnosis and treatment often disrupt key life stages such as education, career, family planning, and social roles. These patients face unique challenges, including chemotherapy-induced menopause, fertility concerns, body image issues, and balancing personal and professional responsibilities. Their quality of life (QoL) is impacted across physical, psychological, social, and environmental dimensions.

This study aims to evaluate QoL in young breast cancer patients, focusing on unmet needs related to premature ovarian failure and psychosocial concerns. QoL will be assessed at five key time points: baseline (post-diagnosis, pre-treatment), post-chemotherapy, post-surgery, post-radiotherapy, and six months after treatment. Demographic, clinical, and treatment data will be collected using validated tools in English, Hindi, and Marathi to ensure cultural relevance.

The study will employ tools such as FACT-B and FACIT-Sp to assess physical, social, emotional, functional, and spiritual well-being; the Body Image Scale to evaluate body image concerns; the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for anxiety and depression; FertiQOL for fertility-related concerns; and the Menopausal Rating Scale for menopausal symptoms, including chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea.

Conducted over three years with an enrollment target of 657 patients, this study will provide a comprehensive assessment of QoL among young breast cancer patients in India. By addressing physical and psychosocial challenges, it aims to improve survivorship care and address gaps in understanding the unique experiences of this population.