SEMRA SALİMOĞLU, YÜKSEL DOĞAN, TAYFUN KAYA, SEMRA DEMİRLİ, GÜL ÇOLAKOĞLU
European Journal of Geriatrics and Gerontology - 2025;7(2):94-100
OBJECTIVE Breast cancer is one of most prevalent cancers with high survival rate. As populations age, proportion of individuals aged 80-89, known as “octogenarians”, also rises. When determining treatment options for breast cancer in this age group, multiple comorbidities, especially with locally advanced tumors and dementia etc., influence choice of surgical intervention. This study aimed to identify factors affecting such treatment in elderly patients. Materials and Methods Data from patients ≥80 years of age, admitted between January 2016 and April 2024 and diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer, were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data, laboratory and radiological tests, operative findings, postoperative pathologies, morbidity, mortality, and patient survival times were evaluated. RESULTS Data from 68 patients [mean (± standard deviation) age, 82.3±2.7 years (range, 80-89 years)] were analyzed. Hypertension was observed in 59 (86.8%) patients and diabetes mellitus in 25 (36.8%), cardiovasküler diseases, respiratory conditions, cerebrovascüler events in 5 patients (<%1). Breast-conserving surgery was performed in 28 (41.2%) patients and 20 (29.4%) underwent modified radical mastectomy. Axillary node positivity was observed in 28 (41.2%) patients. Sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed in 37 patients (54.4%), and axillary dissection was performed in 25 (36.8%). Estrogen receptor positivity was observed in 63 (92.6%) patients, progesterone receptor positivity in 59 (86.8%), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive positivity in 11 (16.2%), metastases were detected in 10 (14.7%). Hormone therapy was administered to 63 (92.6%) patients, chemotherapy to 52 (76.5%), radiotherapy to 36 (52.9%). Two (2.9%) patients had locally advanced disease, 13 (19.2%) had advanced-stage disease with metastasis, and 53 (77.9%) had early stage disease. CONCLUSION In the planning of treatment for this patient population, our clinical observations indicate a potential delay in the initiation of treatment due to cognitive comorbidities. Despite the limited number of patients included in the study, it has been demonstrated that surgical treatment can be safely performed in octogenarians diagnosed with breast cancer.
