ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, SportsBreast Cancer Before Age 50

If a young woman develops breast cancer experts now say it is likely due to more distress in her life.

A new study finds that women with breast cancer before age 50 may experience a decrease in their health-related quality of life because of increased mental distress, weight gain and other factors.

The University of California Los Angeles researchers analyzed data from 28 previous studies, conducted between 1990 and 2010, which focused on how breast cancer affects the quality of life of breast cancer patients aged 50 and younger.

The review revealed that overall quality of life was reduced in these patients, and that mental issues were more severe than physical problems

The findings also showed, premature menopause, infertility and menopause-related symptoms were more common among patients 50 and younger and contributed to their levels of distress.

The report appears in the latest Journal of the National Cancer Institute.