title: Towards an optimal multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer treatment for older women.
abstract: The treatment of breast cancer presents specifc concerns that are unique to the needs of older female patients. While treatment of early breast cancer does not vary greatly with age, the optimal management of older women with breast cancer often requires complex interdisciplinary supportive care due to multiple comorbidities. This article reviews optimal approaches to breast cancer in women 65 years and older from an interdisciplinary perspective. A literature review was conducted using MEDLINE and EMBASE, choosing articles concentrated on the management of older breast cancer patients from the point of view of several disciplines, including geriatrics, radiation oncology, medical oncology, surgical oncology, psychooncology, palliative care, nursing, and social work. This patient population requires interprofessional collaboration from the time of diagnosis, throughout treatment and into the recovery period. Thus, we recommend an interdisciplinary program dedicated to the treat ment of older women with breast cancer to optimize their cancer care.
authors.forename: Nemica
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Thavarajah
authors.forename: Ines
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Menjak
authors.forename: Maureen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Trudeau
authors.forename: Rajin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mehta
authors.forename: Frances
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Leahey
authors.forename: Janet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ellis
authors.forename: Damian
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gallagher
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: Bonnie
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bristow
authors.forename: Noreen
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kay
authors.forename: Ewa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Szumacher
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005260:Female; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000379:methods*; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents