What strategies did the authors identify to help reduce cancer incidence and mortality rates and how do they relate to an aging population?
A number of strategies were identified based around an expanded and organized focus on cancer control for an aging population. Treatment choices were given special consideration, due in large part to the fact that older people often have co-morbid conditions that sometimes aren’t given full consideration. Trial designs that take into account co-morbid conditions and organ function are needed to attract this significant percentage of people with cancer into clinical trials. Social support was identified as an area in need of systematic study to help improve the quality of life of the older cancer patient. The authors noted the growing need for oncology nurses and other health practitioners. Research and public partnerships will be important in bringing together all of those parties who can help accelerate the above strategies. An enhanced surveillance system to track various statistics related to cancer will be crucial for proper planning, intervention, and evaluation of change to take
