SEER-Medicare database analysis of association of frailty with postoperative complications in older patients with nonmetastatic breast cancer

Analysis of the SEER-Medicare database found that among older (>70 years) women undergoing surgery for nonmetastatic breast cancer, 6.3% were frail. Frailty was associated with a higher likelihood of local (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.12-1.96) and systemic (1.76; 1.10-2.81) complications, where chronological age was not associated with complications. The authors conclude that frailty and not chronological age alone should be considered in surgical decision-making and planning for older patient with nonmetastatic breast cancer.