Should old AGE affect decision of surgery???

Does the incidence of getting breast cancer become less after reaching a certain age? I think that at age 50 and older women are more prone than youger women. But does the likelyhood of getting breast cancer remain the same for the rest of their life?

Hello, Ruth. Welcome to our community.

Your situation and questions are not uncommon. I'm sure this is a difficult time for you and your family when it comes to knowing what would be best for your grandmother.

Here's some information for you:

Best Breast-Cancer Care Eludes Older Women

http://www.healthcentral.com/breast-cancer/news-190345-31.html

Breast Conservation Therapy a Viable Option for Older Women

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/NWS/content/NWS_1_1x_Breast_Conservation_Therapy_a_Viable_Option_for_Older_Women.asp

Mammography Decision Aid Helps Older Women

http://www.healthcentral.com/breast-cancer/news-190477-66.html

Emotional Health Often Strong After Breast Cancer

http://www.healthcentral.com/breast-cancer/news-37820-66.html

Let me know if you need more specifics. I'm glad to help.

Best to you,

Maria

Interested husband - my understanding is that the longer you live, the more prone you are to get breast cancer - not because of anything physical, but just statistically. There's a 1:8 overall lifetime chance of a woman getting breast cancer; at age 85 specifically, it's 1:10, while at age 80 it's 1:11 and t age 70 it's 1:15.

Ruth, I would ask your doc's advice. If she needs a simple lumpectomy, it might not be as difficult for her as you might think - it's a very short, same-day surgery. If she's in good health otherwise, maybe you'd consider it. On the other hand, if they're going to take a bunch of lymph nodes, or do a mastectomy, it's more involved surgery, a longer recovery, and will make her more uncomfortable. Do you really want to see her live out however many days or months or years (?) she has left with possible continuing discomfort? The doctor will be able to tell you if there'sany other therapy you can try - perhaps a hormone blocking therapy, if it's ER-positive. If you don't like her doctor, try getting a geriatric social worker involved. Good luck! - PJH