Bio
According to the National Cancer Institute, age is the greatest risk factor for developing cancer. Older adults constitute the majority of cancer patients. And they have needs as they go through their cancer journey that they are not addressed through routine care.
That’s where the role of geriatric oncologist comes into play, by doing a comprehensive assessment at initiation of cancer treatment journey, either surgery or chemo or other, and see based on identified deficits how we can support patients throughout their treatment.
Joining us to talk about the care of older patient with cancer is geriatric oncologist Doctor Rawad Elias from the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute.
Q. Why do you find that more adults over 65 are at such a greater risk of developing cancer?
A. If you are an older adult with cancer, you should know that age is just one factor in your cancer and treatment. The best treatment plan depends on your general health, lifestyle, wishes and other factors. Aging is associated with various conditions that can significantly impact patients’ cancer treatment tolerability and overall prognosis. However, older adults, especially those with aging-related conditions, are underrepresented in clinical trials and therefore often treated in daily practice based on data derived from a younger or fitter patient population. Consequently, older patients are often either over-or under-treated due to limited evidence that guides the management of cancer and its treatments in this patient population.
Q. What can be done to help older adults as they are starting their cancer treatment?
A. A comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) identifies vulnerabilities in older patients that are not detected by routine examination, predicts potential treatment-related complications, estimates survival, and facilitates treatment decisions in older adults with cancer. Impairments identified by the assessment can guide implementation of supportive care interventions with the goal of improving outcomes in older adults with cancer.
Q. Who do you ask for that type of screening? Can it be done with your primary care physician or do you need referral to someone like yourself?
A. At Hartford HealthCare we are working to create a system of care for these patients to make sure they don’t fall through the cracks. We are building something specifically designed for this age group.
Thank you, Dr. Elias, for sharing this information with us. If you would like to get more information call 1-855-HHC-HERE.
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