Educating the older cancer patient: obstacles and opportunities.
Cancer is a serious health problem among the elderly, with over 50% of all cancers occurring in the 11% of the population over age 65. Little research, however, has focused on the educational needs of elderly cancer patients and little is known about the emotional and psychological impact of cancer in this population. This paper describes two surveys which provide baseline data on the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of older people about cancer. These findings have implications for programs directed both at the healthy elderly and at older cancer patients.
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001290:Attitude; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires