Age a factor in breast cancer death risk

WOMEN under 45 years old diagnosed with early breast cancer have a higher risk of dying from the disease than older patients, scientists said yesterday.

“The younger the woman, the poorer the chance of survival,” said Dr Vincent Vinh-Hung, of University Hospital in Brussels.

Breast is the most common cancer in women, with more than a million new cases detected worldwide each year. Most are in women over 50 - the disease is rare in young women.