Older women and breast cancer screening: research synthesis.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the most beneficial ways to support older women as they make screening decisions using a systematic, epidemiologic, narrative review of research regarding benefits and burdens of breast cancer screening and treatment.


METHODS
Medical and nursing research databases emphasizing women aged 60 and older.


RESULTS
Older women can tolerate screening and treatment, yet they are underserved. The most frequently cited reason to explain this phenomenon is declining health status associated with aging. Research evidence does not support this claim. No evidence clearly describes relationships among health status, aging, and less screening or less aggressive treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Older women experience varied health problems. However, indications that they are less able than their younger counterparts to tolerate screening or treatment for breast cancer do not exist.


CONCLUSIONS
Further research in all aspects of breast cancer care in older women is required to define and describe risks and benefits of screening within a context of aging and changing health. Nurses should discuss the risks and benefits of screening with older women.
Yarbrough
Suzanne S
SS
Department of Chronic Nursing Care, School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA. syarbrough@excelsior.edu
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015706:Bibliometrics; D015415:Biomarkers; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy; D008327:Mammography / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012107:Research Design; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
D015415:Biomarkers