Does age matter? Estimating risks of locoregional recurrence after breast-conservative surgery

Abstract

Background/Aim: In 2016, in the United States, more than 50% of breast cancer (BC) cases were diagnosed in patients older than 60 years of age. Our study aimed to estimate the risk of locoregional recurrence (LR) in patients who underwent breast-conservative treatment (BCT), according to age. Patients and Methods: This retrospective monocentric study analyzed 613 cases of patients who underwent BCT between 2003 and 2014. Patients were divided into groups according to age: Under70 (under 70 years old) and Over70 (above 70 years old). Margins width, histology results, prognostic and predictive factors were compared. Subgroup analysis was performed for patients who experienced LR. Results: LR Incidence among Under70 and Over70 was 5.4% and 1.7%, respectively (p<0.01). Group Over70 is characterized by larger tumors and a lower Ki67 index (p<0.01). Conclusion: Operation time reduction, better aesthetic results and reduced LR risk support BCT. The Over70 group exhibited better outcomes in terms of LR despite larger tumor dimensions.