Breast Cancer in Young Women

Because younger women are less likely to develop breast cancer, it is common to feel isolated and alone when going through your treatment. Our experts offer a variety of services and approaches to help.

Genetic Testing and Counseling
Genetic testing is recommended for all people under the age of 50 diagnosed with breast cancer to ensure the condition is not inherited. We offer testing on the first day you visit our cancer centers. That's convenient, but it's also important because you get the results without delay. Obtaining those results quickly enables us to recommend the most suitable treatment for your type of cancer as promptly as possible.

Fertility Preservation
If family planning is in your future, it’s important to have conversations about how to preserve your childbearing potential before treatment starts. Cancer treatment, such as hormone-blocking therapies, can delay having children for up to five years. Chemotherapy may affect the quality of your eggs, which can impact the success of pregnancy. Our fertility specialists meet with you to discuss your options, including harvesting eggs before treatment to ensure they are of the highest quality and using in vitro fertilization (IVF) when the time is right.

Sexual Health
Some types of breast cancer treatment can lead to permanent menopause at an early age, and that can result in menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and loss of libido. A mastectomy can impact how you feel about your body, which can cause some women to shy away from intimacy with their partners. Our psychologists understand how these changes can affect you emotionally and psychologically. We help you and your partner understand how breast cancer has changed you and your body and work to enhance your overall sexual health.

Psychosocial Counseling for You and Your Family
Our mental health specialists help you discuss your diagnosis with your loved ones. This includes your children as well as their teachers. Our support groups provide opportunities for you to meet others going through the breast cancer journey.

Support for Teens and Young Adults
The Duke Teen and Young Adult Oncology Program helps teens and young adults with cancer, and their families, from diagnosis through recovery. We offer age-specific medical care, mental health services, peer connection opportunities, and more. Most of the services are free for Duke cancer patients.

Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction surgery is a personal choice for women who undergo surgery as part of their breast cancer treatment. If you choose to pursue breast reconstruction, there are many options for you to consider, including whether you want immediate reconstruction or want to delay the procedure. In addition, our experts offer different techniques, including the use of autologous (your own) tissue, to rebuild your breasts. 

Onsite Cancer Center Boutiques
Our boutiques offer the latest trends in wigs, hats, caps, scarves, self-image products, and post-surgical garments.

Additional Services
We offer nutrition counseling and physical therapy to help you recover, manage stress, regain your strength, and prevent and manage lymphedema. Acupuncture and massage are also available at select Duke Health locations.

Survivorship Support and Specialists
Being a cancer survivor starts the moment you are diagnosed and continues long after your cancer treatment ends. We remain your partner throughout your journey. Our cancer survivor specialists create personalized plans to identify and treat the long-term effects of treatment. These plans also recommend scheduled screening regimens to watch for the possible return of breast cancer and the development of other cancers as you age.