Cancer in the Elderly

Cancer in the elderly is becoming an increasingly important topic. This text reviews the available information on the management of the elderly cancer patient by surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Recommendations are made for optimal treatment and areas for future research are identified.

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Age is the most important known risk factor for malignancy and therefore cancer is becoming an ever-increasing problem with greater longevity. Approximately one half of the common cancers occur in patients aged over 70. Paradoxically, however, they are excluded from clinical trails on grounds of "frailty". Such data as are available indicated that elderly cancer patients are often undertreated, giving rise to an increased risk of recurrence and death. This book considers the relation between ageing and malignancy and brings together a breadth of international clinical research on cancer in the elderly. The management of common tumours is examined from the perspective of surgery, radiotherapy, and medical oncology. Additionally, the psychosocial problems of the elderly and the specific needs for palliative care in older patients are discussed. Cancer in the elderly makes recommendations for optimal treatment, but the authors also identify areas where knowledge is scarce and there is a need for both basic and applied research. This book is intended for clinical oncologists, radiotherapists, surgical oncologists, geriatricians and health economists.