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Review
. 2015 Dec;12(4):275-83.
doi: 10.7497/j.issn.2095-3941.2015.0081.

Geriatric oncology: problems with under-treatment within this population

Divya Swaminathan  1 , Vikram Swaminathan  1
Affiliations
Review

Geriatric oncology: problems with under-treatment within this population

Divya Swaminathan et al. Cancer Biol Med. 2015 Dec.

Abstract

We are currently faced with an aging population, which is rapidly growing worldwide. Two thirds of cancer occurs in the over 65-year age group. Societal conceptions from the past have created ageist stereotypes; old age is associated with frailty and the elderly are perceived to be destined for deterioration and loss of independence. Cancer within the elderly is also subject to these stereotypes, with elderly cancer patients considered by some not as likely to recover as younger patients with cancer. We summarise and review the current concerns regarding elderly management and treatments utilised for the management of oncological disease in the elderly, and discuss the impact of under-treatment within this population.

Keywords: Cancer; elderly; geriatric oncology; management.

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Conflict of interest statement

No potential conflicts of interest are disclosed.

References

    1. Oxford Dictionary. Definition of Elderly in English from the Oxford Dictionary. Available online: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/elderly [Accessed 22nd August 2015].
    1. Swaminathan V, Audisio RA. Geriatric oncology: a problem and solution. Oncology News 2012:7:12-13.
    1. WHO World Health Organisation. Definition of an older or elderly person. Available online: http://www.who.int/healthinfo/survey/ageingdefnolder/en/ [Accessed 22nd August 2015].
    1. The World Bank. Life expectancy at birth, total (years). Available online: http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.LE00.IN
    1. National institute on aging, national institutes of health, u.s. department of health and human services. Global health and aging. available online: http://www.who.int/ageing/publications/global_health.pdf

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