NAVIGATING CANCER CARE IN OLDER ADULTS

Cancer is becoming an increasingly important health issue for older adults. Around 60-70% of all cancers are diagnosed in people over 65 years of age. Well, cancer treatment can be tough on anyone, but it can be even trickier for older adults. Our bodies change as we age, and sometimes we have other health complications too. Geriatric oncology focuses on the unique aspects of caring for older patients with cancer. 

If you or someone you love is battling cancer, you’re not alone. At Galaxy Care Hospital, the Best Cancer Hospital in Pune, we understand these changes and can create treatment plans that are just right for each person. Let us help you understand the key considerations and navigate cancer care and treatment in older patients.

Risks and Challenges of Cancer in Older Adults

As people age, they accumulate more health problems in addition to cancer. Older patients tend to have multiple medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, etc. which can affect cancer treatment decisions. They may also have some physical and cognitive decline due to normal aging. Screening and diagnosing cancer can also be more difficult in older adults due to nonspecific symptoms.

Once diagnosed, older patients often have poorer health statuses and lower physiological reserves to cope with cancer treatment side effects compared to younger people. Treatment-related toxicities have higher risks in older adults. Considering these unique aspects, a multidisciplinary team including an oncologist, geriatrician, nursing staff etc. is crucial for the best cancer care of older patients.

Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment

A key part of geriatric oncology is performing a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) to understand the overall health status and reserve of an older cancer patient. The CGA evaluates various domains like functional status, underlying health conditions, nutritional status, cognition, and social support. This helps identify underlying problems that are not evident from routine medical history and tailor treatment plans accordingly.

Factors like poor mobility, nutrition, and cognition may affect treatment tolerance, compliance and outcomes. CGA guides treatment planning, facilitating discussions on goals of care and priorities between curative and palliative approaches.

Treatment Considerations

Treatment decisions for older cancer patients require careful consideration of benefits versus risks and individual patient factors. Standard adult oncology treatment protocols may not always be suitable for older patients. Treatment goals shift from exclusively curative to balancing cure, quality of life and symptom management.

Treatment options may include:

• Surgery: Age itself is not a factor for surgery but operative risks depend on the individual’s fitness. Laparoscopic surgery is preferred over open procedures which have lower morbidity and quicker recovery in suitable older patients. Choose the leading Laparoscopic Cancer Surgery Hospital in Pune to evaluate your options for laparoscopic surgery.
• Chemotherapy: Dose reductions and less intensive regimens based on organ function are used. Drugs with better tolerance are preferred.
• Radiation Therapy: Shorter treatment schedules are commonly used in older patients to reduce side effects.
• Targeted Therapies/Immunotherapy: These may be better-tolerated options if cancer has relevant targets.
• Palliative care: Should be considered early and integrated with disease-modifying treatment for symptom relief in older patients even if cancer is potentially curable.

Importance of Geriatric-Oncology 

Dedicated geriatric oncology programs bring together oncologists, geriatricians and other specialists experienced in caring for older adults. They offer comprehensive evaluations and coordinate care tailored to individual goals and needs. Galaxy Care Hospital is one of India’s leading cancer hospitals, specializing in the treatment of various cancer types, with a focus on geriatric oncology care provided by experienced oncologists in Pune. Our state-of-the-art facility offers the best cancer treatments including laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery conducted by highly skilled laparoscopic and robotic surgeons.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, cancer poses unique challenges for older patients due to age-related changes and comorbidities. Comprehensive geriatric cancer care is essential for personalised treatment based on goals of care, functional status and optimization of tolerance. Galaxy Care Hospital in Pune is amongst the top Cancer Hospitals in Pune with a specialized oncology team ensuring the best outcomes for elderly cancer patients through personalized care, advanced treatments and holistic support.If you or a loved one is navigating a cancer diagnosis later in life, remember some specialists understand these specific needs. Don’t hesitate to seek out our Cancer Specialist in Pune to discuss the best course of action for a successful fight against cancer. Get in touch today!