This thesis describes the preferences of both older patients with breast cancer and clinicians to optimize the current care of this patient group. The significant increase in the number of breast... Show moreThis thesis describes the preferences of both older patients with breast cancer and clinicians to optimize the current care of this patient group. The significant increase in the number of breast cancer patients above the age of 65 years necessitates insight into their preferences. Decision-making regarding treatment of early breast cancer is often difficult as decisions need to be made between two surgical options and about the addition of systemic therapy. Like younger patients, older patients are faced with these difficult decisions (together with their clinician). However, treatments for early breast cancer differ substantially between younger and older patients, which possibly can be explained by the preferences of older patients or their clinicians. Currently, little is known about the preferences of older patients, while this knowledge is particularly of great value. To assess how the current care of older patients and the treatment-decision-making process with this patient group can be optimised, we explore the preferences and motivations of older patients with early breast cancer; if and how their preferences for treatment and participation in decision-making differ from those of younger patients; and the treatment preferences of breast cancer specialists with regard to treatment of older patients. Show less
