untreated breast cancer in elderly

Release time ：Dec-01,2024

Untreated breast cancer in the elderly can lead to disease progression, increasing the complexity and risks associated with treatment. Typically, as age advances, there is a decline in physical capabilities and a weakening of the immune system, which can put elderly individuals with breast cancer at a greater risk to their health.

Firstly, untreated breast cancer may result in the continuous enlargement and spread of the tumor. Among the elderly, the degeneration of physical functions could potentially accelerate tumor growth, thereby increasing the challenge of treatment. Secondly, the delay in treating breast cancer can lead to distant metastasis, such as to vital organs like bones, lungs, and liver, significantly reducing patients' survival rates. Furthermore, the long-term neglect of breast cancer can trigger a range of complications, including pain, infections, and bleeding, severely impacting patients' quality of life and prognosis.

Hence, for elderly patients with breast cancer, early detection and adherence to standard treatment protocols are of paramount importance. Elderly individuals should engage in regular health check-ups and monitor their health status diligently, seeking medical attention promptly upon detecting any abnormalities. Throughout treatment, patients should follow their physician's guidance on medication use, avoiding self-medication to prevent unnecessary risks and side effects. Additionally, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, such as abstaining from smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in moderate physical activity, can enhance physical fitness and immunity, better equipping them to manage the treatment and recovery from breast cancer.