Is lack of surgery for older breast cancer patients in the UK explained by patient choice or poor health A prospective cohort study

摘要

Background:Older women have lower breast cancer surgery rates than younger women. UK policy states that differences in cancer treatment by age can only be justified by patient choice or poor health.Methods:We investigate whether lack of surgery for older patients is explained by patient choice/poor health in a prospective cohort study of 800 women aged ≥70 years diagnosed with operable (stage 1-3a) breast cancer at 22 English breast cancer units in 2010-2013. Data collection: interviews and case note review. Outcome measure: surgery for operable (stage 1-3a) breast cancer