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Updated: May 11, 2026
06:52
Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
[Geriatric assessment prior to oncological therapy]
1Abteilung für Palliativmedizin, Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Erlanger Allee 101, 07747 Jena, Deutschland. ulrich.wedding@med.uni-jena.de
Der Urologe. Ausg. A
|May 28, 2013
Summary
Cancer risk increases with age, particularly for genitourinary cancers. Structured geriatric assessment is crucial for tailoring cancer treatments in elderly patients, despite current low integration rates.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Geriatrics
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Ageing is the primary risk factor for cancer, including genitourinary malignancies.
- Demographic shifts towards an aging population globally are increasing the number of elderly cancer patients.
- Cancer therapies carry significant risks of toxic side effects, especially in older adults.
Purpose:
- To highlight the growing challenge of cancer in elderly populations.
- To emphasize the limitations of chronological age in assessing elderly patients' fitness for cancer treatment.
- To advocate for the integration of geriatric assessment in oncological decision-making.
Summary:
- Cancer incidence rises significantly with age, affecting genitourinary organs prominently.
- Elderly patients present heterogeneous health statuses, not accurately reflected by chronological age alone.
- Structured geriatric assessment offers a method to evaluate individual patient resources and risks for cancer therapy.
Impact:
- Increased adoption of geriatric assessment in oncology can personalize cancer care for older adults.
- Improved treatment tolerance and outcomes for elderly cancer patients are anticipated.
- Addressing the needs of aging cancer patients is a critical future task in cancer care.
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