[wtfsanjo]

when cancer presents in young women it is not just generally later stage, but more aggressive in general. there are more grade 3, high proliferative, hormone negative, and Her2+ cancers in younger women. and even controlling for all of these variables, many studies show that the risk of death is higher for younger women even when they are matched against older women with the same diagnosis and stage.

there was actually an incredibly depressing study that came out last year showing that the risk of death of dying from your cancer increases by 5% for every year under 40 you are.

as for why this is, there really is no consensus in medical science. it sucks and is extra scary, but there are also lots of women who have breast cancer in their 20s and 30s - even some with many lymph nodes - who make it long enough to get breast cancer again when they're 80. and if i make it long enough to get cancer at 80, i'll be pretty freaking happy.

krista - are you on YSC?

katie