The quality-of-life benefits of breast reconstruction do not diminish with age

Older women rarely receive post-mastectomy breast reconstruction (PMBR). While there is a perception that PMBR is less beneficial in this age group, quality-of-life (QOL) data related to PMBR in older women remain scarce.

Women with AJCC stage 0-III breast cancer who underwent a mastectomy were surveyed. Respondents included 215 older women (≥ 65 years), of whom 36.0% received PMBR, and a control group of 101 younger women (< 65 years), all of whom received PMBR. Patient-reported outcomes were measured using the Duke Health Profile and the BREAST-Q.

The survey response rate was 74.9%. An age-matched comparison of older women with and without PMBR revealed no significant differences in physical health, anxiety, or depression scores; however, PMBR was associated with greater breast satisfaction (P = 0.002) and greater breast-related psychosocial well-being (P = 0.02) than mastectomy alone. Among those who received PMBR, there was no correlation between age and breast satisfaction, psychosocial well-being, nor satisfaction with the outcome (P = 0.11, 0.21, and 0.56).

Older women who undergo PMBR have better breast-related QOL outcomes than those who do not. Moreover, the outcomes of PMBR in older women are similar to those seen in younger women. When appropriate, older women should be encouraged to consider PMBR.