Predicting postoperative complications and their impact on quality of life and functional status in older patients with breast cancer.

Surgery remains the standard of care for the majority of older patients with breast cancer. The percentage of older patients with breast cancer receiving surgery is decreasing. The reason for this decline is unknown, but it might be due to fear of complications. To better inform patients about the benefits and risks of surgery, the aim of this study was to develop a prediction model for complications after surgery. Another important aspect, especially for older adults with breast cancer, is quality of life, functional capacity, and ability to carry out daily tasks (functional status) after therapy. This study showed that quality of life and functional status did not decline after breast surgery, irrespective of the occurrence of postoperative complications.