Although breast cancer cases among women under 50 are rising and attracting significant media attention, older women continue to account for most diagnoses. According to the National Cancer Institute, 71.8% of new breast cancer cases among women in the United States from 2019 to 2023 occurred in those aged 55 and older, with incidence rates highest among women aged 65–74.

Enrique Soto Pérez de Celis, MD, PhD, associate director of global oncology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Cancer Center, highlights the need to address age-related disparities in breast cancer care. Despite being the most affected demographic, older adults often encounter barriers to specialized treatment, limited access to clinical trials, and healthcare strategies that do not adequately reflect their needs.

Transportation challenges, financial constraints, and eligibility criteria that exclude frail or vulnerable individuals can limit access to appropriate care. Older patients are also underrepresented in clinical research, leaving gaps in the evidence used to guide their treatment. As a result, some may receive insufficient treatment because of assumptions about their age, while others may undergo unnecessary interventions that increase complications and diminish quality of life.

Soto emphasizes that treatment decisions should reflect each patient's overall health, cancer characteristics, functional ability, life expectancy, and personal preferences. Depending on the circumstances, some patients with small, less aggressive tumors may benefit from careful monitoring rather than immediate treatment, while others may require active intervention. Individualized decision-making is essential to balancing treatment benefits, potential risks, and quality of life.

Social and economic challenges, including language barriers, disability, and financial hardship, can further widen disparities, particularly among underserved populations. Breast cancer screening also requires individualized consideration. Current U.S. recommendations support biennial mammography for women aged 40–74 at average risk, while evidence remains insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of routine screening in women aged 75 and older. Decisions about continued screening should consider individual health status, life expectancy, and preferences.

At the University of Colorado Anschutz Cancer Center, Soto leads a multidisciplinary geriatric oncology clinic that evaluates nutrition, physical function, independence, cognition, psychological well-being, and social circumstances. This comprehensive approach helps clinicians develop personalized care plans that address both cancer treatment and overall well-being.

The findings underscore the importance of equitable access to cancer research, effective therapies, and personalized healthcare for older adults. Moving beyond age-based assumptions and considering each patient's individual circumstances can help improve treatment decisions, preserve quality of life, and support healthy aging and longevity.

Source: https://news.cuanschutz.edu/cancer-center/soto-solder-women-breast-cancer