HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - older women not benefiting as much

LoisAnn · 11-11-2011, 09:24 AM

This study, Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer in the Elderly, Chris E. Holmes MD, PhD; Hyman B. Muss, MD, (CA Cancer J Clin 2003;53:227–244.) states, "As the population of the United States ages, women over the age of 65 have become a prominent cohort in the breast cancer population, with approximately 50% of all new breast cancers occurring in women aged 65 years and older."

Specifically, "Christman, et al.68 have found that elderly women in overall good health are able to tolerate chemotherapy as well as their younger counterparts. These same women also derive benefit from combination chemotherapy with similar response rates and overall survival as their younger counterparts."

It also said that "co-morbidity," or having other serious health conditions is of particular concern with treating elderly women, but I suppose that really isn't any different than treating anyone who is younger & has other serious health problems. Its just more likely that elderly women will have other health conditions.

11-11-2011, 09:24 AM	#8
LoisAnn Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 7	Re: older women not benefiting as much - I wonder???? This study, Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer in the Elderly, Chris E. Holmes MD, PhD; Hyman B. Muss, MD, (CA Cancer J Clin 2003;53:227–244.) states, "As the population of the United States ages, women over the age of 65 have become a prominent cohort in the breast cancer population, with approximately 50% of all new breast cancers occurring in women aged 65 years and older." Specifically, "Christman, et al.68 have found that elderly women in overall good health are able to tolerate chemotherapy as well as their younger counterparts. These same women also derive benefit from combination chemotherapy with similar response rates and overall survival as their younger counterparts." It also said that "co-morbidity," or having other serious health conditions is of particular concern with treating elderly women, but I suppose that really isn't any different than treating anyone who is younger & has other serious health problems. Its just more likely that elderly women will have other health conditions. __________________ Newly diagnosed at 88yrs! Healthy, very active. L Mod Rad MX 11/11. ER+ PR- Her2+.