Fertility and climaterics symptoms in young patients with breast cancer <b>[Abstract in English]</b>

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate and to discuss fertility, pregnancy and climacteric symptoms in the follow-up of patients less than 36 years-old with breast cancer. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at Centro de Mama from Hospital São Lucas da PUCRS between 1996 and 2006, including patients with breast cancer who were less than 36 years of age by the time of diagnosis. The variables studied were demographic characteristics, treatment, menstrual cycles, desire to pregnancy, pregnancy and symptoms. Results: Among 577 patients with breast cancer, 34 were less than 36 years-old by the time of the diagnosis. All patients underwent surgical treatment, and cases of invasive cancer were treated with chemotherapy. During a mean follow-up of three years and 10 months, four patients died. Thirty patients (mean age of 32 years) were interviewed. After treatment, 18 patients continued to have regular menstrual cycles. One full-term pregnancy occurred, and six women still wanted to have children. Twelve patients remained in amenorrhea. In this group, all patients referred at least one climacteric symptom. Conclusions: The desire for pregnancy after breast cancer is present in a considerable number of women. The climacteric symptoms accompany these young patients after treatment of cancer. Therefore, developing a plan for preservation of fertility and manage the climacteric symptoms after treatment of breast cancer in young women must be part of a full attendance.