This book presents comprehensive assessment and up-to-date discussion of the epidemiology, prevention, and treatment of cancer in the elderly, highlighting the growing demands of the disease, its biology, individual susceptibility, the impact of state-of-the-art and emerging therapies on reducing morbidity, and decision making processes. Describ
Cancer is clearly an age-related disease. Recent research in both aging and cancer has demonstrated the complex interaction between the two phenomena. This affects a wide spectrum of research and practice, anywhere from basic research to health care organization. Core examples of these close associations are addressed in this book. Starting with basic research, the first chapters cover cancer development, mTOR inhibition, senescent cells altering the tumor microenvironment, and immune senescence affecting cancer vaccine response. Taking into account the multidisciplinarity of geriatric oncology, several chapters focus on geriatric and oncologic aspects in patient assessment, treatment options, nursing and exercise programs. The book is rounded off by a discussion on the impact of the metabolic syndrome illustrating the interactions between comorbidity and cancer and a chapter on frailty.This book provides the reader with insights that will hopefully foster his or her reflection in their own research and practice to further the development of this most exciting field. Given the aging of the population worldwide and the high prevalence of cancer, it is essential reading not only for oncologists and geriatricians but for all health practitioners.
A high proportion of cancer occurs primarily in older persons, and incidence of the major cancers is greater. This, combined with the expansion of an aging America, is bound to have far reaching effects on the nation's healthcare industry. This summary of a workshop held in October 2006, reviews the various important implications of changing demographics and the cancer disease burden in the United States.
Management of Cancer in the Older Patient, by Drs. Arash Naeim, David Reuben, and Patricia Ganz, offers the help you need to effectively diagnose, refer, and manage cancer in geriatric patients. You’ll see how to provide effective cancer screening; refer your patients to the right oncologist; deal with comorbidities, frailties, and other complications; navigate end-of-life issues; and much more. A templated, user-friendly format makes it easy to find and apply the answers you need. See how to best manage geriatric cancer patients with help from leading specialists in both geriatrics and oncology Make informed decisions as to when to refer patients to specialists. Provide the supportive care your patients and their families need on issues such as such as mental health, pain, fatigue, nausea, insomnia. Be prepared to help cancer survivors navigate their after-treatment care including adjuvant therapy, side effects, second cancers, quality of life, and other concerns. Offer accurate guidance on ethical issues like competency, end of life, hospice, the role of the caregiver, and more.
A state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary approach to cancer and aging With the majority of cancers occurring in individuals over the age of 65 against a backdrop of an expanding aging population, there is an urgent need to integrate the areas of clinical oncology and geriatric care. This timely work tackles these issues head-on, presenting a truly multidisciplinary and international perspective on cancer and aging from world-renowned experts in geriatrics, oncology, behavioral science, psychology, gerontology, and public health. Unlike other books on geriatric oncology that focus mainly on treatment, Cancer and Aging Handbook: Research and Practice examines all phases of the cancer care continuum, from prevention through evidence-based diagnosis and treatment to end-of-life care. Detailed clinical and research information helps guide readers on effective patient care as well as caregiver training, research, and intervention. Coverage includes: Epidemiology of cancer in older adults, plus the unique physical, mental, and social issues involved Strategies and guidelines for prevention, screening, and treatment of older individuals with cancer The most common cancers in the elderly, including breast, colorectal, lung, prostate, and ovarian cancer Cancer survivorship in older adults as well as the all-critical issues of palliative care and pain management Emerging topics such as caregiver and family issues, different models of care, and cost considerations An essential resource for clinicians and caregivers as well as researchers interested in this evolving field, Cancer and Aging Handbook is also useful for public health professionals and policymakers who need to formulate services and allocate resources for the growing population of older cancer patients.
Published in 2004: This new edition of Comprehensive Geriatric Oncology still offers an exhaustive review of the biology of cancer and aging, of the epidemiologic trends in the country and in the world, and of the clinical trials that concern cancer prevention and cancer treatment in the elderly.
Cancer and aging are integrally related. Cancer incidence and mortality increase with age, with most cancer diagnoses and deaths occurring in patients aged 65 and older. The aging of the Baby Boomer population, along with an overall increase in life expectancy, points to a doubling of the U.S. population over age 65 by the year 2030. This demographic shift, combined with the known association of cancer and aging, is expected to bring about a rapid growth in the older cancer-patient population. It is clear that geriatric principles must become part of oncology care. The evaluation and development of treatment recommen- tions for an older adult with cancer can be challenging for many reasons. Tumor biology and response to therapy are affected by age. In addition, age-related factors may impact treatment patterns, tolerance, and efficacy. These age-related factors include functional status declines, comorbid conditions, changes in cognitive function, weakening of organ function, decreases in physiologic reserve, and faltering social support.
Because cancer in the older adult may be present in combination with other chronic conditions, including dementia and frailty, multidisciplinary care is especially important. This book provides nurses with essential information on the care and treatment of the older adult with cancer, including: An overview of cancer in the older adult, and barriers to treatment Prevention and screening of cancer in the older adult How to perform a comprehensive geriatric assessment, as a methodfor planning multidisciplinary care Practical applications of qualiy of life assessment and decision analysis Special considerations in radiation therapy and chemotherapy with the older adult Social and caregiver issues This book reflects lessons learned from a nurse-physician team who planned and implemented the Senior Adult Oncology Program at the.Moffit Cancer Center and Research Institute in Florida.
As the Baby Boomers age, concerns over healthcare systems' abilities to accommodate geriatric patients grow increasingly challenging. This is especially true with the population deemed to be “the oldest of the old,” specifically those over the age of 85. Unlike any other time in history, this demographic is the fastest growing segment of most developed countries. In the United States the oldest old is projected to double from 4.3 million to 9.6 million by 2030. The increased life expectancy of the population since the early 1900s has been built on the improvement of living conditions, diet, public health and advancement in medical care. With this we have seen a steady decline in the age-specific prevalence of vascular and heart diseases, stroke and even dementia. Older persons are healthier today than their counterparts decades ago. More importantly than in any other age group, the care of the oldest old must be individualized; management decisions should be made taking into consideration the older persons’ expressed wishes, quality of life, function and mental capacity. The inevitable consequence is that there will be an increase in the prevalence of older persons with chronic diseases, multiple co-existing pathologies and neuro-degenerative diseases. The oldest of the aging population are often excluded from drug trials and their treatments are largely based on findings extrapolated from that of the younger old. Furthermore, among the oldest old, physiologically they are more diverse than other segments of the population. Their demographic characteristics are unparalleled and different compared to that of the younger old. Several studies have drawn attention to the differing attitudes among health professionals towards elderly people and many show prejudice because they are old. As a result, the use of age as a criteria in determining the appropriateness of treatment is of very limited validity, yet there are limited resources that guide physicians through these challenges. This book creates a greater awareness of these challenges and offers practical guidelines for working within the infrastructures vital to this demographic. This book is designed for geriatricians, primary care physicians, junior medical officers, specialty geriatrics nurses, and gerontologists. It is divided into 3 sections: General Considerations, Chronic diseases and Geriatric Syndromes. Each chapter provides a summary of important and essential information under the heading of Key Points. Case studies are included in some of the chapters to highlight the principles of management.
"In the preface to this impressive and well-produced book, the editors state that their aim is not to describe a new surgical specialty, since most surgeons will soon need to be "geriatric surgeons," but to assemble a comprehensive account that will allow "all providers of healthcare to the elderly to understand the issues involved in choosing surgery as a treatment option for their patients." This is a useful book that deserves to do well. I hope that the editors and their publisher will have the stamina to make this the first of several editions, as it is clear that updated information about surgery in the elderly will be required to keep pace with this important field." NEJM Book Review