One of the great achievements of the 20th century has been the increase in life expectancy for people in the United States. While overall longevity has increased, diseases associated with older age have increased. We, therefore, are continuing to see an increased number of cancer patients over the age of 65 and most of these patients are in good general health when the cancer is discovered.

The most recent statistics show that a woman at age 65 has better than an 80% chance of reaching the age of 80 and a better than 40% chance of reaching the age of 90. A man at age 65 has better than a 70% chance of reaching 80 and one-third of the men at age 65 will reach the age of 90. (Actually, 8% of the woman and 6% of the men will go on to 100.)

With the chances of living longer, the diseases associated with an older population are more likely to be seen. While we have decreased the chances of heart attack and strokes, Alzheimer's Disease and cancer continue to increase. At this time we cannot successfully treat Alzheimer's Disease, but we can expect over 60% of people with cancer to be cured, if they are treated completely and intensively, and those who have more advanced disease can expect very good treatment not only to extend their life but also maintain a good quality of life.

How intensely should a woman with breast cancer at age 70 be treated? Should she have less treatment than a woman at 50? Should a woman or man at age 70 with colon cancer have less treatment than a woman or man at age 50? And what treatment should be recommended for a man at age 70 with prostate cancer?

Treatment decisions are the physician's AND the patient's and should be made upon careful assessment of the general well being of the person and not their stated age. If this is done, most cancer treatments can be tolerated at the same level that younger people are given. This also means that women at 70 or 80 should continue to go for their mammogram and regular pelvic examination and men should have their PSAs done on a regular basis. Both women and men should be checked for colon cancer, preferably with colonoscopy, starting at the age of 50 and repeated regularly as recommended by the endoscopist.

Age in itself should not be a barrier to complete and effective cancer detection and treatment. The hazard of dying of uncontrolled, widespread cancer need not occur because "you're too old to be treated."

For more information and answers to specific questions contact the Rhode Island Cancer Council at Tel@ricancercouncil.org or call us at (401) 728-4800 or toll free 866-879-4100.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

IT IS EASIER TO PREVENT CANCER THAN TO TREAT IT.

If you found this information helpful, please consider making a donation to the Rhode Island Cancer Council so we may continue adding content to our website and providing valuable services to Rhode Island residents. Please click the Donate icon to the left to make a donation via credit card or your PayPal account.

See also: