Abnormal cell growth is the cause of all cancers and breast cancer is no different. When mutant cells grow and multiply in the breasts, they can quickly find their way to the lymph nodes in the armpit. They then spread to the other parts of the body in a matter of time. Among the elderly, their physical condition and the presence of other illnesses could be obstacles in the treatment process. With more women than men in general, and especially women over the age of 65 being the primary population affected by breast cancer, it is indeed a challenge to provide the most appropriate medical care. Hence, a combination of various treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal therapy enables them to lead a disease-free life with better survival outcomes.

Being one of the fastest growing fields of medicine, geriatric oncology delves into the treatment methods of breast cancer in the elderly and the many risks involved in it. Every senior person with breast cancer is different because each one has their own set of coexisting physical ailments that come with age. Additionally, they have to be treated for breast cancer, either the non-invasive ductal carcinoma in situ or any of the 4 stages of invasive breast cancer.

For example, while one might have neurological issues, another patient might have medical problems related to the heart or they may be undergoing treatments for an immune system disorder, like diabetes, a bone disorder, or Alzheimer’s. Some women might lead an independent, active life performing daily tasks on their own, while there could be others who are ailing or invalid and admitted to assisted living facilities. How breast cancer treatment is managed for both these sets of women would certainly be quite different. Also, the stage of breast cancer they are dealing with will determine the treatment options available for them as their individual prognosis is bound to vary, especially with statistics showing that treatment-related mortality is higher in elderly women.

Whatever stage it may be in, breast cancer treatment in the elderly must be customized to suit every individual and the one-size-fits-all approach will clearly not work for them. In spite of being a disease that is associated primarily with aging women, oncological research and clinical trials have so far not been aimed at elderly patients; instead, they are almost always carried out on younger people with cancer. So, the dosage of drugs and their side effects on elderly women with breast cancer have to be studied carefully before being administered. Similarly, chemotherapy, its toxicity and how it will affect their health is carefully thought about. Also, taking into consideration their age, careful measures must be taken.