Survivorship Issues in Older Adults with Breast Cancer

The number of older adult breast cancer survivors is increasing. This growing demographic comprises both women diagnosed with breast cancer when they are 65 years or older as well as women diagnosed in younger adulthood who then survive to elderhood. Older adult breast cancer survivors face unique challenges, including possible increased baseline comorbidity, symptom burden and a greater propensity to experience functional and cognitive decline after treatment.

This review outlines survivorship concerns affecting older adults with a history of breast cancer, including osteoporosis, increased risks of hip fractures, and worsened survival associated with the development of comorbidity. The review also acknowledges the existing interventions to identify and mitigate survivorship concerns of older adults including comprehensive geriatric assessments.

Highlighting the unique needs of this population may better inform treatment decision-making at the time of diagnosis and identify opportunities for future investigation in this realm.