Onkológia 2/2006

GERIATRIC PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED CANCER IN 2 000 WORDS

Cancer is primarily a disease of the elderly, in whom its incidence and mortality are high. The definition of “elderly” is highly individualized process. The incidence of cancer in elderly is 11 times higher than that in younger persons. cancer is a major public health problem that affects disproportionately older than younger person. The number of elderly patients will continue to increase. Age-related factors, such as functional, social, cognitive impairment, might complicate the management of older patients. The safety, efficacy, and convenience of therapy can be optimized with appropriate supportive care interventions. further studies are needed in order to assess activity and toxicity of combined modality in elderly as well as to determine specific criteria to select those older patients that will likely benefit from treatment.

Keywords: cancer, elderly, incidence, mortality, treatment.