Breast Cancer - medication only option (elderly patient)?

FormerMember over 3 years ago

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Hi - my Mother-in-law, age 84, has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. She is beginning to suffer a little with her memory, however is typically very private regarding her medical issues and we only found out after the diagnosis and treatment had been proposed and agreed. She has told us that she was offered either an operation (it is unclear if this would be mastectomy or lumpectomy) OR medication to shrink the tumour. She decided on the medication.

We are a little confused as experience and googling seems to suggest typically it would be medication AND surgery, not one or the other. She's now starting the medication and has no follow up appointments planned unless she has any side effects. She's quite adamant that she knows exactly what the situation is, however we would rather be more involved than we are.

So my question is - does this situation sound likely or could she be confused? If it is likely, and there is a medication only option, does this carry any additional risks for the cancer spreading, or getting worse in other ways? I've asked her to be sure to bring myself or my husband to her next appointment, but she may well refuse so it would be great to get some reassurance that she IS completely aware.

Note that we do get on well generally, she's just very independent in relation to her health!

Many thanks.

Linda J - Macmillan over 3 years ago

Hello Jemima,

Thanks for getting in touch with us. It’s natural to want the best treatment for your mother in law’s breast cancer.

Treatment decisions for older women can be complicated.

It’s not unusual for some older women to be offered hormone therapy as their only treatment. In choosing the most appropriate treatment, your mother in law’s consultant should consider her overall general health as well as her age.

As you mention it is common to have surgery and hormone therapy. Some women can still have surgery if they are low risk for complications. If there is an underlying lung or heart condition, then surgery could be ruled out.

Some women may also choose to take medication rather than having surgery.

The type of surgery recommended depends on the type and size of the cancer, where it is in the breast and whether more than one area of the breast is affected. It will also depend on the size of your breast.

Hormone therapy is a systemic treatment (it targets hormones that circulate around the body). It can help to reduce tumour size and blocks the oestrogen supply to the cancer cells.

This study suggests that surgery and hormone therapy together have better survival outcomes, than those receiving hormone therapy alone.

As you mention, it may be helpful to support your mother in law at her next appointment or ask for her permission to speak with her team.

Supporting someone with cancer can be tough at times too. So it’s important that you look after yourself. You may find our group for family and friends helpful.

I hope this helps

Best wishes

Linda J. (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

Our ref: LJ / AKR

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Breast Cancer - medication only option (elderly patient)?