Factors influencing management of breast cancer in the elderly woman.

Elderly women have the same right as their younger counterparts to be a part of the decision-making process of their health care. Women with breast cancer should be informed of treatment options and the advantages and disadvantages of each choice as it applies to their individual circumstance. Clinical judgment should be used in patients with poor performance status and known limited life expectancy as to the optimal approach that will provide the best quality of life for the maximum duration but with acceptable risks to the patient.