Exploring the Long-Term Journey of Older Breast Cancer Survivors

As the population of older women living with a history of breast cancer continues to grow in the United States, driven by new diagnoses among those over 65 and longer survival rates for younger patients, understanding their unique experiences is increasingly important. Recent research published in Current Breast Cancer Reports sheds light on the survivorship challenges faced by this demographic, emphasizing the need for tailored care strategies.

The study, led by Dr. Claire Morton and Dr. Christina Ahn Minami from Brigham and Women's Hospital, investigates how aging, comorbidities, persistent symptoms, and physical and cognitive decline influence quality of life for older breast cancer survivors. It highlights that long-term issues such as fatigue, chronic pain, mental health concerns, and physical deterioration can persist well after treatment concludes.

Older women are often less likely to undergo aggressive treatments like chemotherapy or reconstruction, possibly due to physician concerns about treatment tolerance or patient preferences, including fears of side effects. Nonetheless, women who have aged into survivorship report higher incidences of fatigue, insomnia, cognitive decline, depression, and anxiety compared to younger survivors. Additionally, breast cancer treatment can increase risks of falls, fractures, frailty, and functional decline, underscoring the importance of comprehensive geriatric assessments.

The researchers advocate for early identification of age-related health issues and support through geriatric assessments, which can help optimize treatment planning and survivorship care. These assessments aim to address frailty, cognitive health, and other conditions that impact recovery and quality of life.

Moving forward, the team plans to utilize long-term datasets to identify high-risk individuals and expand geriatric oncology programs that incorporate personalized interventions. They also emphasize the importance of integrating long-term survivorship data into early treatment discussions, fostering informed decision-making and ongoing support.

By understanding the distinct needs of older breast cancer survivors, healthcare providers can better tailor treatments and support systems to improve long-term outcomes and quality of life for this growing population.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-survivorship-older-breast-cancer-patients.html