Important Considerations About Treatment

• Although more than half of all cancers occur in people above the age of 65, the good news is that elderly people can benefit from cancer treatment to the same degree as younger patients. While some treatments may have not been considered for the care of older patients formerly, things have changed. The elderly are getting healthier and living longer, and are entitled to benefit from the many life-saving medical advances new to Oncology.
  
  Cancer treatments today can range from minor surgical procedures to the use of chemical or alternative therapies. Treatment for the elderly is usually prescribed for those with early-onset cancer who are in overall good physical and mental condition; age is not always the primary factor when deciding who should receive cancer care. Once cancer is diagnosed in an elderly person, the best approach it is to work closely with a medical team that specializes in cancer treatment in older adults. The elderly have special medical, physical, nutritional, spiritual and emotional needs that can make the difference in how well they respond to treatment. They are typically already undergoing some treatment for other serious health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes and arthritis. They are also more likely to be receiving drugs for these conditions, and the potential for drug interactions and complications require thorough medical histories, accurate information about current medications and close monitoring following any treatment.
  
  

Providing Support During Treatment

• Cancer in an elderly person is not a death sentence. It is well known that in treating cancer, mind over matter is often the key to a successful response to treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and nutritional therapy, even surgical removal, if needed. Keeping the patient in good spirits and providing adequate support will often lessen the fears associated with having the disease. This will in turn improve the response and recovery time of the cancer treatment. Despite a desire to live independently, the elderly person may need some assistance with normal household duties or errands like getting to and from doctor appointments and scheduled treatments. It's important that either the elderly person's family get involved or that a nursing care plan be put into effect that supplies whatever extra support is needed. An elderly person should not be left to face cancer alone.
  
  

Cancer Treatment in the Elderly Is the Best Choice

• Close physician-managed cancer treatment is the best, most effective choice. This is to offset any potential hazards associated with treatments for any other health conditions. Quality of life is an important factor that needs to be taken into account before starting a new regimen of treatment of an elderly person.
  
  Many traditional and alternative treatments are very successful in providing a cure or keeping the cancer in remission for years, giving the elderly person an excellent outlook on the future and a good quality of life. A carefully managed medical plan carried out by a supportive Oncology team and loving friends and family will help make this challenging time turn out for the best for the elderly person dealing with cancer.