Impact of older age on presentation, management and outcome of breast cancer in the multi-ethnic Asian population of Singapore

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to improve insight in breast cancer characteristics and outcome in the understudied population of elderly Asian women with breast cancer. Patients and methods: We identified 2195 women, ≥ 40. years, diagnosed with breast cancer between 1990-2007 at the National University Hospital in Singapore. Patient and tumor characteristics, treatment and outcome were compared between women diagnosed at age < 65. years and ≥ 65. years. Results: Older women were more often diagnosed with advanced stages and estrogen receptor positive tumors. They were less likely to have undergone axillary clearance, radiotherapy post breast conserving surgery and chemotherapy for lymph node positive disease. Older women had poorer relative survival than younger women; however these differences largely disappeared after stage stratification. Conclusion: Similar to Western populations, older Asian breast cancer patients present with more advanced stages and are less likely to receive standard treatment. Older age was not associated with worse survival within different stage strata.