Breast Cancer in Adults Over 65
Overview
Learning you have breast cancer is stressful at any age. But you may learn you have breast cancer at 65, at 70, at 80, or beyond. Your health may not be as strong as it used to be.
As you get older, your health changes. You may have other health problems that need attention during cancer treatment. You may not be able to handle some cancer treatments that are harder on your body. You may be taking other medicines that can interfere with your cancer treatment.
MSK understands the cancer care needs of people over 65 diagnosed with breast cancer. We know there are differences in treatment for breast cancer in older adults.
Our teams of experts will make a personal breast cancer treatment plan. It’s based on your overall health and your care goals and concerns. We offer supportive services for both your physical and emotional needs.
Our cells have abnormal (not normal) changes as we age. That makes it more likely that older cells will turn into cancer cells.
About 8 out of 10 breast cancers are found in people over age 50 who were assigned female at birth.
Most people who get breast cancer are women, but people of all genders can get breast cancer. This is true even if you had top surgery (breast surgery as part of gender affirmation treatment).
For people assigned male at birth who get male breast cancer, it’s often found around the ages of 65 to 70.
At MSK, recommendations for mammograms are based on your risk for breast cancer, not your age.
You can read more about breast cancer screening.
We also have information about breast cancer risk factors and prevention.
Exercise can make your immune system stronger and keep your body at a healthy weight. This can help prevent cancer. Exercising 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week can lower your risk for breast cancer.
For people 65 and older, your MSK care experience starts with a phone call to 646-497-9064. Our Care Advisors are ready to help and available anytime, 7 days a week. You can call any hour of the day.
Program details
If you’re over 65 and were diagnosed with breast cancer, you may have challenges that need special attention or care. Examples are:
- Other health issues, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
- A higher risk of side effects from treatments.
- Breast cancer that’s advanced or a type that grows and spreads fast.
- You have joint pains and trouble with mobility (moving around).
Your treatment team includes geriatric medicine experts. These are healthcare providers who have special training and experience in caring for adults over age 65. They’ll design a plan for your treatment and recovery, guided by years of research.
Our medical oncologists (cancer doctors) work with our experts in caring for older adults. They also work closely with other experts, including radiation oncologists and surgeons.
When different kinds of experts work on your cancer care, you get the best care possible. Together, we’ll choose the best treatments for you that have the least side effects.
Diana E. Lake
Breast Medical Oncologist
Jasmeet C. Singh
Breast Medical Oncologist
Iris Zhi
Breast Medical Oncologist
MSK helps you live your best life after breast cancer treatment ends. Our Adult Survivorship Program helps you focus on health and wellness. Our experts will guide you to the right kind of support, such as rehabilitation and exercise, nutritional counseling, or tobacco cessation.
Many older adults take a few medicines. We’re here to help manage your medicines.
MSK’s clinical pharmacists have special training in geriatric medicine. They can evaluate your medicines and make sure you’re taking them according to your doctor’s instructions.
Our pharmacists will create a plan for you to take your medicines. They will choose medicines that do not get in the way of your cancer treatment and have fewer side effects.
MSK makes it easier to get the care you need. Our breast doctors can see you at our locations in Manhattan, New Jersey, Westchester, and Long Island. Our Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center in New York City offers a comfortable setting for breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and support.
Common questions
Can MSK help me cope with the side effects of breast cancer treatment?
We’re experts in managing the side effects of treatment for breast cancer.
Controlling pain has always been a very important part of how we treat cancer. Your MSK care team has experts in managing the kind of pain that’s common during and after cancer treatment.
We have ways to help manage nausea during chemotherapy. We have a team of experts who manage the symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment.
MSK has a program for treating lymphedema, a type of swelling after breast cancer treatment.
Does MSK offer integrative medicine?
Yes. Our Integrative Medicine Service (also called complementary therapies) offers acupuncture, meditation, massage therapy, yoga, and exercise.
Cancer therapies can cause side effects. You may want support to cope with chronic pain, fatigue (feeling very tired), nerve problems, nausea, insomnia, and stress.
Without the use of prescription drugs, integrative therapies can help improve and control these lasting side effects of cancer treatments.
Does MSK offer counseling and other support services?
We offer counseling and support to help you manage anxiety, depression, anger, or loneliness. There are individual and group counseling sessions, both in person and through telemedicine visits. Counseling is open to you and your family, separately or together.
We also run support groups and programs if you want to talk with other people going through a similar experience. Our social workers can offer information about how to talk about your diagnosis with family members, work colleagues, and friends.
Are there ways to help me recover my strength and movement after treatment?
Cancer treatment can change how well your body moves. Training with MSK’s physical, occupational, and exercise therapists can help bring your strength back.
Our Cancer and Aging Rehabilitation Program has occupational and physical therapists who are experts in treating people over 65. Their goal is to give you the same quality of life you had before cancer.
Our therapists can help you keep or improve how you move as you get ready to leave the hospital. They will make a personal plan just for you, based on your goals. Learn more about rehabilitation programs at MSK.
Does MSK offer clinical trials for breast cancer?
MSK is a major research institution and offers many research studies, also known as clinical trials. This includes clinical trials for people aged 65 and older.
Clinical trials test new treatments, procedures, or devices to see how well they work. Almost every cancer treatment given to patients was first tested during a clinical trial.
People who join one of our clinical trials get their treatment from caring and experienced staff focused on patient safety.
Learn more about MSK’s clinical trials for breast cancer.
Does MSK offer help paying for cancer care?
MSK offers financial help in a few ways, depending on your needs. Our financial assistance program provides financial aid for people who need help.
Our insurance counselors can answer questions about what health insurance pays for if you come to MSK for care.
If you have questions about your insurance coverage, please call our Patient Billing Services team at 646-497-9176.
We can also guide you about the cost of prescription drugs. We can help you apply for assistance programs offered by drug companies and foundations.
Can I meet with my care team through a telemedicine visit?
Yes. Telemedicine visits let you meet with your healthcare provider from home or wherever is most convenient for you.
Telemedicine uses video technology to connect you to your MSK care team on your desktop computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet.
Telemedicine visits are safe and secure. They can help you get the care you need while saving travel time and money.
