Breast cancer surgery in elderly women
F. Catalano, B. Genovese
Vol.7 (2022), issue 1, pag. 69 - 80
| Received | 6/09/2021 |
| Accepted | 6/01/2022 |
| Published | 24/03/2022 |
| Review by | Double-blind |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.48253/AGO28 |
ABSTRACT
Purpose of Review
Breast cancer has an increasing incidence in old age. This implies a different approach to the disease, which takes into account life expectancy, quality of life, concomitant frailties and the practicability of the various surgical and non-surgical therapeutic strategies. are often excluded from studies. Older patiens are often excluded from studies. The aim of the review is surgical management in elderly with breast cancer.
Findings
The treatment of breast cancer in elderly is controversial: it needs to re ect upon adopting a more aggressive attitude and evaluating its possible impact on survival. Careful evaluation must be reserved for the risk of over- and under-treatment of cases, consequently the International Society of Geriatric Oncology and the European Society of Breast Cancer Specialist have recommended the use of the Multidimensional Geriatric Assessment (VGM).
Conclusions
Surgical treatment remains crucial in the treatment of operable bre- ast cancer. For the correct treatment of breast cancer in elderly, it is necessary to evaluate the general condition of the patient within a multidisciplinary team and consider the achievable results in com- pliance with the patient's expectations and preferences, avoiding the risk of over- or under -treatment. The multiplicity of treatment modalities involves the commitment to a careful evaluation of the therapeutic choice to offer each patient the most appropriate treat- ments, with a greater probability of ef cacy and with the least possi- ble impact on the quality of life, mitigating side effects.