How do the preferences of older Chinese women with operable breast cancer differ from their younger counterparts?

Introduction

This study aims to investigate how the preferences of older women are different from their young counterparts.

Methods

Female patients with operable breast cancer diagnosed between September 2009 and August 2015 were recruited. Participants were invited to complete a questionnaire to score the importance of a list of items while deciding the surgical option (0 = entirely not important and 5 = extremely important).

Results

During the study period, 911 female patients with primary operable breast cancer received surgery in our unit. Of these, 837 patients had completed the questionnaire (participation rate 91.9%), among which 112 patients (13.4%) were aged 70 years and above. Concerns about a complete cure from cancer (mean score 4.64, standard deviation 0.62) and recurrence (mean score 4.65, standard deviation 0.66) were the two top-ranked items considered important by patients. Patients in the older age group assigned less importance to physical considerations (P < .001), complete cure from cancer (P = .042), and role of spouse and friends (P < .001) as compared with their young counterparts. By contrast, older patients considered side effects (P = .013) and accessibility of radiation (P = .002) as more important.

Conclusion

Identifying the factors influencing breast cancer treatment decisions helps healthcare professionals provide adequate information and support to older women in their decision-making process.