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Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Therapeutic Massage for Psychological Well-being in Geriatric Oncology
Published on: May 22, 2026
Management of terminal cancer in elderly patients
Linda M Sutton1, Wendy Demark-Wahnefried, Elizabeth C Clipp
1Duke Oncology Network at Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA. linda.sutton@duke.edu
Abstract:
Advances in health care and changing demographics worldwide have led to an ageing population whose care at the end of life has become increasingly complicated. Clinicians face a difficult challenge in the effective management of symptoms and suffering of elderly patients with terminal cancer, against a backdrop of complicated family and social structures. We describe the most pertinent features of management of key symptoms, focusing on pain, dyspnoea, constipation, and anorexia-cachexia syndromes. We present a rational approach to nutritional issues along with a description of the psychosocial issues that must be included in the overall management of these patients.
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