Breast cancer remains the most common type of cancer affecting women in the United States, with a sizable portion of diagnoses occurring in older women. According to a study published in the Journal of Oncology Practice (JOP), approximately 60% of new breast cancer diagnoses occur in women aged 65 and over. Let’s shed some light on the increased incidence of breast cancer in this population and highlight the invaluable role of home healthcare for breast cancer patients and their families during this difficult journey.
Breast Cancer Prevalence in Older Adults
This increased incidence of breast cancer in this demographic can be partly attributed to increasing lifespans and a concomitant larger aging population. Additionally, dense breast tissue, which is more common in older women, can make mammograms less effective in detecting cancer early.
Treatment Considerations for Elderly Patients
There are unique factors to consider when deciding on a course of treatment for an elderly woman. Treatment decisions for elderly breast cancer patients must balance the goal of curing or controlling the disease with maintaining quality of life and independence. For very elderly patients (80+), the focus may shift more towards comfort rather than aggressive treatments aimed at cure.
Factors to Consider
Comorbidities
Factors like overall health, presence of comorbidities, and patient preferences all play a crucial role in determining the best course of action. For example, chemotherapy use requires more careful consideration in elderly patients due to increased risks of toxicity and impacts on quality of life.
Cognitive Impairment
Some elderly patients may have cognitive impairments that affect their ability to understand or comply with treatment plans. Family members often must step in to help direct care. That could be part of the reason older patients more often perceive they were not involved in decisions about systemic therapy compared to younger patients.
When cognitive issues are present, a home health aide can provide valuable assistance in terms of keeping the patient and their surroundings clean and tidy as well as reminding them to take medication and taking them for walks.
Fall Prevention
Cancer treatments can increase the risk of falls in elderly patients. Home health services can assess the home environment for safety hazards and implement fall prevention strategies. It is more important than ever at this time to make sure the home environment is elder proofed.
Nutrition and Hydration
Maintaining proper nutrition and hydration is crucial during cancer treatment. Here is another critical area where home healthcare helps. Home health aides can assist with meal planning, preparation, and the monitoring of food and fluid intake. They can even help with the shopping.
The Impact of Home Healthcare on Patient Outcomes
Research has shown that home healthcare can have a positive impact on outcomes for elderly cancer patients. Benefits may include:
- Reduced hospital readmissions
- Improved medication adherence
- Better symptom management
- Enhanced quality of life
- Increased ability to remain in the home environment.
Conclusion
Breast cancer in the elderly presents unique challenges that require a thoughtful, individualized approach to care. While treatment principles are similar, elderly patients often require a different approach that carefully weighs potential benefits against risks, with greater emphasis on quality of life and functional status. Geriatric assessments are recommended to guide treatment decisions for elderly breast cancer patients.
Home health aides and home healthcare services provide invaluable assistance to elderly breast cancer patients and their families, helping to manage the physical, emotional, and logistical aspects of cancer care. By combining state-of-the-art medical treatments with compassionate home-based support, we can strive to improve outcomes, maintain quality of life, and reduce the burden on patients and caregivers.
David York Agency Homecare Helps Seniors
At David York Agency, we understand the many challenges and risks faced by the aging and elderly. We are dedicated to providing care to support them through all of those ups and downs. At David York Home Healthcare Agency, extraordinary service is what sets us apart from other companies that provide in home healthcare services.
DYA we could provide direction as to how to manage the total care of your senior loved one. Whatever your care needs, we are there for you, always striving to exceed your expectations. For more information about David York Agency’s qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us at (718) 376-7755. A free phone consultation can help you determine what services would meet your needs. We aim to provide you and your loved one with the assistance they need. If you’d like to hear more from us, please like us on Facebook or follow us on X or LinkedIn.
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