Association of progesterone receptor gene (PGR) variants and breast cancer risk in African American women.

Prolonged exposure to combined hormone replacement therapy (estrogen plus progestin) increases a woman's risk of breast cancer, whereas estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy does not. This suggests that progesterone may play a role in breast carcinogenesis. Association studies have reported inconsistent relationships between progesterone receptor gene variants and breast cancer.

Breast cancer in young women.

Although uncommon, breast cancer in young women is worthy of special attention due to the unique and complex issues that are raised. This article reviews specific challenges associated with the care of younger breast cancer patients, which include fertility preservation, management of inherited breast cancer syndromes, maintenance of bone health, secondary prevention, and attention to psychosocial issues.