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Published on: January 24, 2020
[Ageism and its clinical consequences in oncogeriatry: a review of existing data and intervention leads]
Abstract:
Aging is a risk factor in oncology. Indeed, it is estimated that, in 2030, 70% of diagnosed cancers in the United States will concern subjects older than 65 years. Paradoxically, elderly are often excluded from clinical trials and are undertreated compared to younger patients. An important explanatory factor (and yet still not considered!) for these observations is the age stigma (in other words our stereotypes linked to age, and so ageism), age being actually the main motive for discrimination. In this perspective, our aim is to present ageism manifestations in oncogeriatry and their direct consequences for patients, interlocutors (that is to say health professionals) and interactions between them. Throughout this article, we will enhance our remarks by data from researches in "normal" aging. Before ending, we will give some intervention leads potentially applicable in oncogeriatry, to reduce ageism deleterious effect.
Insights
Ageism, or age stigma, negatively impacts cancer care for older adults, leading to undertreatment and exclusion from clinical trials. This review explores ageism in oncogeriatrics and proposes interventions to mitigate its harmful effects.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Oncology
- Social Sciences
Context:
- Aging population presents a growing challenge in oncology, with 70% of US cancer diagnoses projected for individuals over 65 by 2030.
- Elderly patients are paradoxically underrepresented in clinical trials and receive suboptimal treatment compared to younger demographics.
- Ageism, rooted in societal stereotypes about aging, emerges as a significant, yet often overlooked, factor contributing to discrimination in cancer care.
Purpose:
- To identify and analyze manifestations of ageism within the field of oncogeriatrics.
- To examine the direct consequences of ageism on elderly cancer patients, healthcare professionals, and their interactions.
- To explore potential intervention strategies to counteract the detrimental effects of ageism in oncogeriatric care.
Summary:
- This article investigates ageism in oncogeriatrics, highlighting how stereotypes about aging lead to discrimination against elderly cancer patients.
- It details the negative impacts of ageism on patient treatment, clinical trial participation, and the patient-provider relationship.
- The review incorporates research on typical aging processes to contextualize ageism's effects and proposes actionable interventions.
Impact:
- Increased awareness of ageism as a critical barrier in geriatric oncology.
- Improved understanding of how age-based discrimination affects treatment outcomes and patient experiences.
- Provides a framework for developing targeted interventions to promote equitable and effective cancer care for older adults.
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