Effect of Patient Age on Outcomes in Breast Reconstruction: Results from a Multicenter Prospective Study

Background: Although >40% of new breast cancer diagnoses in the US are in older women, few studies have assessed the outcomes of post-mastectomy reconstruction in this population. Our objective was to evaluate age effects on postoperative complications and patient-reported outcomes in women undergoing breast reconstruction, and to investigate whether age effects differ between reconstructive procedure types.

Study Design: Eligible patients in the Mastectomy Reconstruction Outcomes Consortium study from 11 institutions (57 providers) in North America were analyzed. Two-year complications and patient-reported outcomes via BREAST-Q domains were compared across younger (younger than 45 years), middle-aged (45 to 60 years), and older (older than 60 years) women. Mixed-effects regression models were used, controlling for a range of demographic and clinical covariates.

Results: A total of 1,531 patients were studied: 494 younger, 803 middle-aged, and 234 older. Age was not a significant predictor of complications. For sexual well-being 2 years post-reconstruction, older women reported 4.25 (p = 0.04) higher mean scores with implant procedures, and 10.39 (p < 0.01) higher mean scores with autologous procedures compared with younger women. No age effect was seen with implant procedures with regard to physical and psychosocial well-being; however, older women who underwent autologous procedures reported 6.07 (p < 0.01) higher physical, and 8.21 (p < 0.01) higher psychosocial well-being scores than younger women.

Conclusions: Age did not significantly affect complication rates. Older women demonstrated higher sexual well-being for both procedures, and better satisfaction and physical and psychosocial well-being than younger women with autologous procedures. Post-mastectomy reconstruction is a viable option for older patients, with risks and benefits comparable with those in younger women.