Hyderabad: About 5-10 per cent of women with breast cancer are genetically predisposed to have it. This was highlighted at a panel discussion on women’s cancer at a two-day conference on teenage and young adult (TYA) cancer organised by the medical oncology department of Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (Nims).The event was held in association with the Medical Oncologists Foundation and the Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Foundation. Over 150 doctors, cancer survivors, and experts participated in the conference, and featuring Dr D. Raghunadharao, with Dr Col Prakash Chitalkar and Prof. G. Sadashivudu.A key panel discussion focused on the challenges faced by young women with cancer. Oncologists stressed the importance of specialised care, considering both medical and psychosocial aspects. Hereditary breast cancer predisposition is in about 5-10 per cent of women with breast cancer, they highlighted, thereby increasing the chances of it being detected earlier in young women with thorough screening processes.The panelists also emphasised on how concerns about pregnancy and fertility were significant when women were diagnosed with cancer and were choosing treatment options. Hence, treatment needed to be customised and not just based on the type of cancer, age, and stage, but also factoring like education, family background, and socioeconomic status.Key challenges include delayed diagnosis, fertility preservation, distance to treatment centres, and economic difficulties. Women in remote areas often neglect early symptoms due to lack of awareness. Solutions like raising awareness, involving primary physicians, and expanding telemedicine were proposed.Oncofertility, a specialised field in women’s cancer care, was highlighted, as many young women face limited fertility options but feel immense social pressure from society. Psychosocial issues, including body image concerns, fear of relapse, and the psychological impact of social media, were also discussed.The panel was headed by Dr Leela Digumarti, Dr Krishna Mohan MVT, Dr Stalin Bala Chowdary and speakers included Dr Jyoti Bajpai, Dr Sayali Kulkarni, Dr Runu Sharma, Dr Neharika Gudipati and Dr Shruti Gandhi.
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