Comparative Analysis of Breast Cancer According to Age, Histological Type, Hormonal Status, and Disease Characteristics

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women worldwide and a significant public health concern in Libya. The incidence of BC, particularly among younger women in Libya, has been increasing, urging further investigation into the disease's characteristics, early detection, and treatment strategies. This study aimed to compare the clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of breast cancer patients from two datasets of women of different ages. This descriptive retrospective study utilized two datasets containing the medical records of breast cancer patients diagnosed and treated at Tripoli Medical Center. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The variables assessed included age, histological type, molecular subtype, tumor stage, hormone receptor status, lymph node metastasis, and family history of BC. Patients were divided into two age groups to facilitate comparison between young and older women. Frequency distribution and comparative analyses were performed to identify associations with predominant disease patterns. The first group of participants included 524 patients with a mean age of 34.5 years, while the second cohort included 499 patients with a mean age of 43.6 years. Younger women comprised the majority of the first cohort, while the second cohort exhibited a broader age distribution. The results showed that invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) was the predominant histological pattern in both cohorts. Younger patients were more likely to have aggressive tumor characteristics, higher rates of lymph node metastasis, and more advanced disease stages. Older patients showed a higher prevalence of hormone receptor-positive tumors, particularly luminal molecular patterns, which are generally associated with a better prognosis. In conclusion, this comparative study demonstrates that age significantly influences the distribution of BC subtypes, disease severity, and tumor biology. These findings underscore the importance of increased public awareness about breast cancer causes, especially the effect of nutrition and lifestyle, early BC detection, and individualized treatment strategies to improve BC treatment outcomes.