| Abstract: |
(from the chapter) Cancer is an integral part of the aging phenomenon;' 53% of all cancer diagnoses are seen among older adults. Additionally, 59% of all cancer survivors are 65 years and older. Around 68% of cancer deaths occur among patients 65 years and older.' In 2013, the Institute of Medicine released a report regarding the delivery of high-quality cancer care. The report emphasized that addressing the unique needs of an aging population is critical to improving the quality of cancer care. A workforce trained in geriatric principles will be needed to meet the unique needs of older adults with cancer. Psychosocial care of the older adult presents a significant challenge for clinicians due to differences in the phenomenology, assessment, and treatment for this population and the paucity of research in this area to provide evidence-based guidance to clinicians. This chapter will focus on the assessment and treatment of common psychiatric issues in elderly patients with cancer. Delirium, cancer- and treatment-related cognitive changes, and dementia syndromes are included in different sections of the book and will therefore not be reviewed in this chapter. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved). |
