BREAST-CANCER - OPTIONS FOR OLDER PATIENTS

Despite being at high risk of breast cancer, elderly women tend not be screened systematically or treated aggressively. Elderly patients should be instructed in breast self-examination and encouraged to have annual mammograms. Biopsy options have increased and include newer techniques of needle localization, ultrasound localization, and stereotactic biopsy. Treatment options are wide-ranging, including increased emphasis on breast preservation in patients with stage I and stage II disease.