Doctors, Older Patients Rethink Cancer Treatments

Experts in treating older cancer patients say it’s important to think of each patient individually, not to assume that because someone has reached a certain age that he or she isn’t going to be able to withstand surgeries, radiation or chemotherapy.

On the other hand, a person’s frailty and other medical conditions must be part of the conversation when discussing the repercussions of those treatments, which often cause life-altering side effects.

Many oncologists (particularly those focused on geriatrics) are giving these issues heightened consideration and are spending more time with patients and families figuring out what’s best and not just what makes sense on paper.

Read the full story here: http://bit.ly/1iDhEoz

Source: The Columbus Dispatch