A new study has found that changes in a woman’s physical strength and energy levels—what doctors call “frailty”—can affect how long she lives after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

The study looked at over 2700 women aged 65 and older who had early-stage breast cancer. Researchers tracked these women for five years, paying close attention to how frail they were before and after starting chemotherapy.

What Is Frailty?

Frailty is when someone becomes weaker and has less energy, which can make it harder to recover from illness or treatment. It’s not just about age—some people are older but still strong, while others may be frail.

Key Findings

Women who became more frail after starting chemotherapy had a higher risk of dying within five years.
Women who stayed strong or improved after treatment had better chances of living longer.
Frailty can change over time—it’s not always permanent.

Why This Matters

This research shows that doctors should watch for changes in frailty, especially during and after treatment. Helping women stay active, eat well, and manage side effects may improve both their strength and their survival chances.

What Can Be Done?

Regularly check physical health and energy levels before and during cancer treatment.
Offer support like physical therapy, nutrition advice, and other care to help patients stay strong.
Encourage healthy habits to help reverse or slow down frailty.

Bottom Line

If doctors and caregivers pay attention to changes in frailty, they may be able to improve the lives—and survival—of older women with breast cancer.

Reference

Frailty Trajectories Following Adjuvant Chemotherapy and Mortality in Older Women With Breast Cancer

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This blog was reviewed by Dr. Sourabh Kharait.

This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan, hydration strategies, or diet. The information provided here is based on general insights and may not apply to individual circumstances.

How Frailty Affects Survival in Older Women with Breast Cancer