Non-surgically treated older women with operable early breast cancer in Denmark

INTRODUCTION: Women >= 70 years of age, especially women with co-morbidity, have not achieved the same increase in survival as younger women with early breast cancer. Older patients with and without co-morbidity do not receive primary surgical treatment as often as younger women do. The primary aim of this study was to describe older women with operable early breast cancer who are not surgically treated. Secondarily to evaluate if there is a need for further research to clarify if the women may potentially benefit from comprehensive geriatric care (CGC) according to receiving surgery. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study including 781 women >= 70 years of age with biopsy-verified early breast cancer in Denmark 2012-2017. Data were retrieved from the Danish Breast Cancer Cooperative Group registry and medical record reviews. RESULTS: Women >= 70 years of age with early breast cancer who did not receive surgical treatment represent a group of frail patients with the characteristics of a geriatric population. Among older women with early breast cancer, 14% had no primary surgical treatment. CGC may identify relevant health issues and interventions that could increase the possibility of surgical treatment in this group of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Women >= 70 years of age with early breast cancer who do not receive surgery represent a group of frail patients that may potentially benefit from special geriatric care. CGC may be a way to provide this special care. Further research is needed.