Abstract: |
As the population is aging, and cancer treatment is advancing, the life span of significant proportion of older cancer survivors is increasing. In order to maintain wellbeing and functional independency of older cancer survivors, it is critical to appreciate the intersection of aging, cancer and cancer treatments, and its impact on older cancer patients’ functional status. While the main focus of treatment of older cancer patients after the diagnosis is on the cancer, this should be broadened as active cancer treatment subsides and their transition to survivorship starts. While the best models of care for older cancer survivors are emerging, it is essential for the primary care providers and/or oncologists to be aware of unique challenges facing older cancer survivors. In this chapter, we will review challenges that are more common among older cancer survivors. We will assess the existing literature in this regard and explore the opportunities for further research in each section. © This is a U.S. government work and not under copyright protection in the U.S.; foreign copyright protection may apply 2020. |