Senior Adult Oncology

Abstract

Cancer is the leading cause of death in women and men aged 60 to 79 years. 1 More than 50% of all cancers and more than 70% of cancer-related deaths in the United States occur in patients aged 65 years or older. 2 By 2030, an estimated 70% of all cancers will be diagnosed in adults aged 65 years or older. Older individuals are more prone to develop cancer than younger individuals. Furthermore, the aging of the U.S. population and increased life expectancy of the elderly mean that cancer in older adults is becoming an increasingly common problem.