HHS HealthBeat (June 01, 2007)

Life after breast cancer

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

An older breast cancer survivor can have many years of quality life. But a researcher says age brings some problems which can affect that.

Claire Robb of the University of Georgia bases that on a survey of 127 women with an average age of 78 who were cancer-free for an average of five years. Her study in Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology was supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Robb says older survivors had more pain, less vitality and less satisfaction with their lives than cancer-free women their age.

"Older women should recognize that their recovery may take a bit longer. They should be willing to ask for help." (8 seconds)

Robb says social support, and a sense of optimism and control over their lives can make a difference.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

Last revised: June, 01 2007