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Cancer pain management in the elderly
1Center for Palliative Care, Department of Family Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pa., USA.
Geriatric Nursing (New York, N.Y.)
|June 23, 2000
Summary
Cancer pain is common in the elderly, particularly those over 85, who risk undertreatment. Effective management of cancer pain in older adults is achievable, improving their quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric oncology
- Palliative care
- Pain management
Background:
- Cancer prevalence increases with age.
- Elderly patients, especially those over 85, face undertreatment of cancer pain.
- Barriers include assessment difficulties and increased risk of opioid side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the challenges in managing cancer pain in the elderly.
- To emphasize the importance of effective pain management for quality of life in older cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cancer pain management in geriatric populations.
- Analysis of barriers to pain assessment and treatment in the elderly.
- Discussion of strategies for safe and effective analgesic use.
Main Results:
- Cancer pain is prevalent in aging populations.
- The elderly, particularly the very old, are at high risk for undertreated pain.
- Effective cancer pain management is feasible in this demographic.
Conclusions:
- Quality of life for elderly cancer patients relies on optimal symptom control.
- Appropriate analgesic selection and administration are crucial.
- Preventing opioid-related side effects is essential for safe and effective pain management.