On the occasion of Cancer Week, the French Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology asked Dr Rabia Boulahssass, geriatrician at the CHU de Nice, about the cancer in the elderly. In fact, two thirds of cancers occur in people over 70 years old. Fatality? “No because there are treatments” says the doctor. “The geriatric evaluation is such that today it makes it possible to offer tailor-made treatments. We do” haute couture “for the elderly patient in order to allow him to benefit from appropriate care: chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery. Particular attention is also paid to anesthesia and perioperative management. The aim is also to limit postoperative complications such as confusional syndromes as much as possible “.
Don’t be afraid to get tested
Age is the number one risk factor for cancer. This is why seniors do not should not hesitate to get tested. Screening makes it possible to detect less advanced cancer and therefore increase the chances of its cure.
But Dr Rabia Boulahssass recognizes that there are brakes. “The drag for older people is worry about the repercussions that a diagnosis of their cancer could lead with their families, children and caregivers. They are often very worried about the pain they will cause. It is not uncommon for some to forgo treatment because they do not want to leave their fragile spouse alone “.
The role of the geriatrician is therefore essential: he will be able to set up a personalized system such as day care for the patient’s spouse or temporary accommodation in a retirement home, home support (household help, carers, etc.) allowing patients to be able to adhere to the treatment more calmly.
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