Geriatric oncology in Mexico.

Haydeé Verduzco-Aguirre,Enrique Soto-Perez-De-Celis,Carolina Gomez-Moreno

doi:10.3332/ecancer.2020.1102

Haydeé Verduzco-Aguirre, Enrique Soto-Perez-De-Celis + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3332/ecancer.2020.1102

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Abstract

Mexico is an upper-middle income country located in North America, with an increasing life expectancy and a growing population of older adults. Due to population ageing and lifestyle changes, the number of cancer cases amongst older individuals is expected to increase in the upcoming decades, representing a challenge to the healthcare system. The challenges for implementing geriatric oncology care in Mexico include a fragmented healthcare system, as well as the lack of geriatric training amongst healthcare professionals. In this mini-review, we present an overview of the epidemiology of cancer amongst older adults in Mexico, the Mexican healthcare system and ongoing initiatives for the development of geriatric oncology programmes in the country. In addition, we highlight the priorities for future developments in the field of cancer and ageing in Mexico, with a focus on the various stakeholders involved.

Highlights

Mexico is a middle-income country located in North America
The proportion of older adults is still low compared with high-income nations, projections show that 17% of Mexicans will be aged ≥65 by 2050, with most of these demographic changes taking place in the more prosperous northern regions and urban areas around Mexico City [1, 3]
In this mini-review, we highlight both the challenges for implementing geriatric oncology in Mexico and the current initiatives undertaken throughout the country

Summary

Introduction

Mexico is a middle-income country located in North America. With a territory of over 2 million square kilometres and a population of 130 million people, Mexico is the 13th largest and 10th most populous country in the world [1]. The lack of interaction between healthcare systems represents a challenge for the creation of programmes aimed at providing geriatric oncology care since some specialists (geriatricians, physical therapy, nutrition and so on) may not be available within the patient’s institution. Despite being an emerging area of cancer care, Mexican geriatric oncology has grown during the past 5 years.

Results

Conclusion