The Geriatric Cancer Patient

Abstract

age-related physiologic and pathologic changes that affect the risk of cancer and the effectiveness and tolerability of treatment, the clinical approach to elderly patients, and strategies for minimizing neutropenia and other treatment-related toxic effects in this population. Cancer and the aging populationOngoing epidemiologic research over the past several decades has consistently confirmed a continuing trend toward an aging population. The over-65 age group is growing faster than other age groups, and therefore accounts for an increasing percentage of the total population. The portion of the population older than 65 rose from approximately 8% (12 of 150 million) in 1950 to 13% (34 of 260 million) in 1990. By the year 2030, fully 20% of the population (70 of 350 million) will be older than 65 (Figure 1).