Age determinants for breast surgery: Using the Choosing Wisely initiative for early-stage breast cancer treatment strategies

Breast cancer treatment for women aged 70 years and older can be complicated by existing comorbidities, a shorter lifespan, and a greater risk of side effects from treatments such as chemotherapy. Identifying and continually assessing appropriate breast cancer treatment strategies in older women is important. This article highlights an approach to surgical treatment that demonstrates that age may not be the most important factor in surgical treatment for early-stage breast cancer.