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Ageism in cancer care
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. skagan@nursing.upenn.edu
Seminars in Oncology Nursing
|November 13, 2008
Summary
Ageism, prejudice based on age, impacts cancer care, creating disparities. Nurses can combat ageism to improve equitable cancer screening and treatment for all age groups.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Oncology
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Ageism is a pervasive societal issue.
- Its influence in cancer care is significant, affecting screening, treatment, and outcomes.
- Understanding ageism is crucial for equitable healthcare delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of ageism.
- To review the influence of ageism within the context of cancer care.
- To outline the implications of ageism for nursing and interdisciplinary practice.
Main Methods:
- Literature review encompassing research articles, clinical reviews, and theoretical works.
- Inclusion of clinical expertise to provide a practical perspective.
- Synthesis of existing knowledge on ageism and its impact on cancer patients.
Main Results:
- Ageism manifests in various forms: negative, self-stereotyping, positive, and beneficent.
- Age-based disparities exist in cancer screening and detection.
- Older adults may experience advantages in clinical trial enrollment and treatment due to more frequent healthcare encounters.
Conclusions:
- Nurses are pivotal in identifying, confronting, and correcting ageism in clinical settings.
- There is a need for research and educational initiatives to combat ageism in cancer care.
- Interventions are required to redress age-based disparities and promote equitable outcomes.
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