Breast cancer in the elderly: treatment of operable disease

Between 1976 and 1985 122 elderly patients aged 70 years and over, were treated for 'operable' invasive breast cancer (UICC stage I-IIB). A tendency towards less aggressive investigation and treatment was noted in the elderly. Of 117 patients undergoing surgery, 79 (68%) had 'full' conventional treatment, either mastectomy with axillary clearance, sampling or radiotherapy, or local excision with radiotherapy. In 38 patients (32%) management of the breast or axilla was considered to have been less complete than the usual practice for younger patients ('limited' treatment group), either local excision without radiotherapy or simple mastectomy alone. The 'limited' treatment group were significantly older than the 'full' treatment group but were comparable for tumour size, clinical nodal status and oestrogen and progesterone receptor levels. Although there was no survival difference between the groups, those in the 'limited' treatment group were more likely to develop locoregional recurrence (chi 1(2) = 9.2, P = 0.002, log rank test). In practice, management of the elderly often appears to be influenced by chronological age rather than clinical or biological factors. It is suggested that elderly patients sufficiently fit to undergo surgery should be treated along the lines applicable to younger patients.