ePrognosis is a tool used by doctors when determining if chemotherapy is a desirable treatment option for patients facing a breast cancer diagnosis. It’s lauded for its accuracy when determining survival rates for otherwise healthy women. However, as Marla Ahlgrimm explains, older patients with other health concerns are crushing the tool’s expectations.
Q: Why is it important to decide for or against chemotherapy? Shouldn’t everyone consider it?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Chemotherapy and other forms of cancer treatment are extremely hard on the body. People with other major health conditions may not recover from chemo and can actually experience unnecessary pain and suffering as a result. For older patients especially, understanding prognosis and life expectancy both with and without chemotherapy can help them determine if the added stress on their bodies is worth the outcome.
