Radiation versus Chemotherapy in the Elderly with Breast...

Radiation versus Chemotherapy in the Elderly with Breast Cancer In clinical practice today the population is increasing in the number of elderly patients, as is the occurrence of breast cancer in women 60 years of age and older. According to Tang et al. (2011) the occurrence of breast cancer in women 65 years old and older is greater than â€Å"400 cases per 100, 000 women† (p. 3). The appropriate treatment options for the elderly are not as standard as those for a younger generation related to the effects the aging process has on the body. Secondary conditions such as congestive heart failure (CHF), diabetes mellitus (DM), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and the effects of treatment on functionality are also considered when†¦show more content†¦Each body system in the body undergoes physiologic changes, according to Lilley, Rainforth Collins, and Snyder (2014) the physiologic changes are as follows: the cardiovascular system exhibits decreased cardia c output and decreased blood flow that subsequently affect the absorption and distribution of pharmacological therapies. The gastrointestinal (GI) system has an increase in pH and decrease in peristalsis resulting in delayed gastric emptying and altering absorption of therapies such as chemo. The hepatic system has decreased enzyme production and blood flow causing decreased metabolism. The renal system has decreased blood flow and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) as well as decreased functional ability resulting in decreased excretion (Lilley et al., 2014). According to Komen (2009) side effects from radiation therapy will vary related to the area treated and may include skin irritation, breast changes or swelling, fatigue, dry cough or difficulty swallowing, and lymphedema. The American Society for Clinical Oncology (2013) go on to add more specific side effects such as with the skin itching, dryness, blistering, and peeling. They also mention long term side effects such as d eveloping a secondary cancer from the radiation treatment although the risk is low and the benefits for treating the current cancer greatly outweigh the risk. Another more site specific side effectShow MoreRelatedThe Potential Benefits Of Adjuvant Therapy3460 Words   |  14 Pagessufficient consideration. As our two clinical cases illustrate, two 70 year old breast cancer patients can have very different underlying health, physical activity, and social support systems and require a treatment approach that reflects these differences (Figure 1). 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