Early Breast Cancer in the Older Woman

Abstract

Background. Women aged >65 are generally underrepresented in early breast cancer studies. Therefore, the optimal management of this group of women remains less certain.Methods. A literature review of recently published trials, reviews, and practice guidelines outlining the surgical and adjuvant management of early breast cancer in older women was performed.Results. Surgery remains as the cornerstone treatment for early breast cancer in the elderly. Adjuvant radiation is generally considered if the projected lifespan is >5 years. Hormone receptor-positive disease is best treated with adjuvant endocrine treatment; aromatase inhibitors and tamoxifen are both options. Evidence for the use of adjuvant

Cost of Illness of Breast Cancer Patients on Chemotherapy in Addis Ababa Public Hospitals, the Case of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Teaching Hospital-Cross-Sectional Types of Study

“…In addition to age, the following are the possible risk factors for breast cancer are: fewer births, later age at first full-term pregnancy, not having breastfed, early age at menarche, irregular menses, late menopause, use of exogenous hormone (e.g. oral contraceptives, combined hormone therapy), obesity, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, family history of breast cancer are some of the risk factors mentioned above [2][3][4][5].…”

The Association between Age, Comorbidities and Use of Radiotherapy in Women with Breast Cancer: Implications for Survival

“…[1,[9][10][11][12][20][21][22] Therapeutic options for older women may not be evidence based, resulting in under treatment with suboptimal outcomes. [1,9,11,20,21] Future studies to assess the effectiveness of RT in patients with comorbidities will benefit by including a representative sample of older women. [9,11,12,21] Analyses of secondary and linked data also can help inform study design.…”

“…[1,2] Over the next generation, the incidence of breast cancer in older women is expected to rise, influencing health service planning and delivery. [3] While there has been progress in the early detection and effective treatment of breast cancer, these gains are less evident in older women.…”

“…[3] While there has been progress in the early detection and effective treatment of breast cancer, these gains are less evident in older women. [1,4] One out of two deaths from breast cancer occurs among women in this age group. [3] Radiotherapy (RT) is an important treatment modality for patients with breast cancer.…”

“…[5][6][7][8] However, misperceptions exist about its appropriateness and efficacy in older women. [1][2][3][9][10][11][12] These include slower disease progression, less aggressive tumours and an assumption that mortality will be attributed to age-related comorbidities. [3] This paper explores the hypothesis that women >65 years of age with comorbidities are less likely to receive RT than women in younger age groups.…”