Is Surgical Management Compromised in Elderly Patients with Breast Cancer?

Abstract

Breast cancer management appears compromised in elderly patients (older than 65 years of age). Frequency of mammography screening is significantly less in elderly women older than 65 years of age. Early detection of preinvasive (curative cancers) is significantly less than in younger patients. The recent requirement by Medicare of mammography every other year may further reduce the opportunity to detect potentially curable cancers. Approximately 20% of patients had inferior treatment of favorable stage early primary cancer with worsened survival. Detection and treatment strategy changes are needed to remedy these deficiencies.