title: An overview of cancer in the older adult.
abstract: With the number of elders rising and the incidence of cancer increasing with age, a discussion of cancer in older adults is critical for medical-surgical nurses. An understanding of how aging affects cancer incidence, etiology, biology, diagnosis, treatment, and patient response will help medical-surgical nurses provide quality, comprehensive care to elders with cancer. This includes the ability to assess age-related limitations and initiate intervention strategies as appropriate for older adults with cancer.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
authors.forename: Elizabeth Ann
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Coleman
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hutchins
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Goodwin
mesh_terms: D017677:Age Distribution; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged / Q000502:physiology; D000369:Aged, 80 and over / Q000502:physiology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015897:Comorbidity; D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy