A vision to optimise the management of primary breast cancer in older women

Cheung, K.L.; Morgan, D.A.L.; Winterbottom, L.; Richardson, H.; Ellis, I.O.; Porock, D.

doi:10.1016/j.breast.2010.01.019

« PreviousThe Breast
Volume 19, Issue 2 , Pages 153-155, April 2010

A vision to optimise the management of primary breast cancer in older women

Division of Breast Surgery, University of Nottingham, Professorial Unit of Surgery, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham University Hospitals, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK

Department of Oncology, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, UK

Nottingham Breast Institute, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, UK

Division of Pathology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, UK

School of Nursing, University of Nottingham, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, UK

Received 28 September 2009; accepted 27 January 2010. published online 22 February 2010.

Abstract

Majority of breast cancer are diagnosed at >65 years. Efforts to develop clinical service and research are spent mainly on younger patients. Little is known about the biology and long-term clinical outcome of breast cancer in the elderly. However there is data suggesting that there are differences. Knowledge related to breast cancer in the elderly is urgently needed and we need to optimise their management – not ‘over’ or ‘under’ treating them, taking into account of both physical and psychosocial dimensions. The Nottingham Breast Services established a dedicated elderly primary breast cancer service from its inception over 30 year ago, which has recently developed into a combined surgical/oncology facility. A joint effort and team approach are required in both developing clinical service and research, in order to optimise management. There is an immense need to develop a dedicated elderly breast cancer service and to support ongoing research.

Keywords: Primary breast cancer, Elderly, Older women, Clinical service, Clinical trials