Home / Health / Age: Cancer's Unavoidable Culprit Revealed
Age: Cancer's Unavoidable Culprit Revealed
24 Nov
Summary
- Age is the most significant, unavoidable risk factor for cancer.
- Older adults require specialized geriatric assessments before treatment.
- Specialized geriatric oncology clinics offer cost savings and better care.
Aging is identified as the primary, unavoidable risk factor for cancer, a pressing issue given the rapid growth of Canada's senior population. Projections indicate a substantial increase in individuals over 65 by 2068, intensifying the need for effective cancer care strategies for this demographic.
Despite international recommendations for geriatric assessments before cancer treatment, Canada has a limited number of specialized geriatric oncology clinics. These assessments are crucial for understanding how treatments affect older adults, considering their existing conditions and life expectancy, and centering care on patient priorities.
Barriers to widespread adoption include cost, though studies show significant cost savings from these clinics. Health human resources, particularly a shortage of geriatricians, and deeply embedded ageism also hinder progress. Innovative, nurse-led models and targeted programs for the most frail are proposed solutions.
