Communication involving special populations: older adults with cancer.

Abstract

Cancer has a high incidence and death rate among older adults. The objective of this article is to summarize current literature about communication between older adults and medical professionals in cancer care. Our article addresses four categories related to communication: first, ageism; second, screening; third, treatment; and fourth, end of life (EoL) care. Current literature suggests that cancer treatment for older patients may be influenced by ageist biases. Older patients prefer that clinicians incorporate health status to individualize screening decisions although some patients don't consider life expectancy to be an important factor in screening. Patients often agree with the oncologists' treatment recommendations but want to be involved in the decision-making process. Lastly, work is being conducted to associate quality communication of EoL issues with hospital performance measures. Patients are at risk of age-based disparities in cancer screening, treatment, and EoL care. Older adults are not a homogenous group and all elderly cancer patients need to have an individualized approach to care. Medical professionals must understand patients' goals and values and involve them in shared decision-making and preparation for EoL.