Treatment Outcomes in Breast Cancer Patients Aged 65 and Above

Abstract

Introduction: Despite the increasing number of elderly patients with breast cancer, optimal treatment options remain limited. This study aims to evaluate the clinical characteristics, treatment approaches, and survival outcomes of the patient group aged 65 and above who were treated for breast cancer at our clinic. Materials and Methods: The data of breast cancer patients aged 65 and above who received treatment and follow-up at our clinic between 2012 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Overall survival and disease-free survival analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier analysis, and comparisons were conducted using the log-rank test. Results: A total of 108 elderly female patients with breast cancer were included in the study. The median follow-up duration was 79.75 months (6.64 years), with a maximum follow-up of 133.49 months (11.12 years). At the end of this period, 88 patients (81.48%) were still alive. The 3-year overall survival rate was 93.5%, and the 5-year overall survival rate was 86.1%. The 3-year disease-free survival rate was 91.6%, and the 5-year disease-free survival rate was 88.7%. Conclusion: When making treatment decisions for elderly breast cancer patients, factors such as performance status, comorbidities, toxicity, and post-treatment quality of life should be carefully considered alongside age. Treatment decisions should be based on comprehensive evaluations taking these factors into account. Keywords: Breast Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome; Aged; Mastectomy; Drug Therapy; Radiotherapy.