Investigating cancer symptoms in older people: what are the issues and where is the evidence?

Some may argue that when an older person (65 years and older) presents to primary care with symptoms that may represent cancer, they should not be investigated differently from younger patients (less than 65 years). We think that cancer risk management in older people requires a more personalized ap...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British journal of general practice 2020-07, Vol.70 (696), p.321-322
Main Authors: Jones, Daniel, di Martino, Erica, Hatton, Nathaniel L, Surr, Claire, de Wit, Niek, Neal, Richard D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cancer
Medical diagnosis
Older people
Primary care
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Summary:Some may argue that when an older person (65 years and older) presents to primary care with symptoms that may represent cancer, they should not be investigated differently from younger patients (less than 65 years). We think that cancer risk management in older people requires a more personalized approach. Recently, there has been a significant increase in knowledge regarding the management of possible cancer symptoms in primary care. However, this knowledge is not age related, and research on the specific diagnostic management of symptomatic older people is scarce, despite older age being associated with greater likelihood of developing cancer. This editorial will explore the issues that are specific to the management of older people with a potential cancer diagnosis, identifying gaps in our knowledge base, and highlighting the need for more research to underpin good practice.
ISSN:0960-1643
1478-5242
DOI:10.3399/bjgp20X710789