Breast cancer: options for older patients.

Despite being at high risk of breast cancer, elderly women tend not to be screened systematically or treated aggressively. Elderly patients should be instructed in breast self-examination and encouraged to have annual mammograms. Biopsy options have increased and include newer techniques of needle localization, ultrasound localization, and stereotactic biopsy. Treatment options are wide-ranging, including increased emphasis on breast preservation in patients with stage I and stage II disease.