Breast Cancer Treatment Effectiveness in Older WomenBackgroundBreast cancer is a disease primarily of older women. The incidence of breast cancer reaches its maximum in the ninth decade of life. It is a serious disease in older women. Care of older women is further complicated by the fact that age is not only a major risk factor for breast cancer, but also for an increased burden of co-morbid disease and functional disability. This burden, coupled with uncertainty as to what represents appropriate therapy, makes the care of this expanding population of new cancer patients a major challenge for clinicians. Study AimsThis project has four primary objectives:
MethodsUsing a historical cohort design, six sites from throughout the United States will together identify and follow 2,750 women for 10 years. Both electronic and medical record data sources will be used to collect information that will allow us to characterize the separate and joint effects of treatment, tumor, and patient characteristics on breast cancer recurrence and mortality. SignificanceAn estimated 192,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001, with 53 percent occurring in women 60 years of age and older. This proportion and corresponding absolute numbers are likely to grow, because older age is the most important risk factor for breast cancer, and because gains in life expectancy will result in more women at risk for longer periods of time. This project fill an important gap in knowledge by providing evidence regarding the effectiveness of breast cancer treatments in older women. Project StatusThis project was funded in 2003 as an R01 (Research Project), and is closely affiliated with the CRN. Rebecca A. Silliman, MD, PhD, of Boston University, is the principal investigator. Data collection is underway. |
Care & Treatment Research:
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