Gerontology as oncology: research on aging as the key to the understanding of cancer

Article Abstract:

There are many risk factors for cancer. The most important, however, is simply growing older. The risk of cancer continues to increase with advancing age. This is not a coincidence; the physiological changes that occur with aging contribute directly to the incidence of cancer. Furthermore, it seems likely that the study of the process of aging will likely yield new insights into the development of cancer as well. Many theories have been put forth to explain the relation between aging and cancer. Some have suggested that older people have simply spent more time exposed to environmental factors that cause cancer. Others suggest that with age, the effectiveness of physiological defenses against cancer may decline. However, quick reflection should indicate that the true relationship is not likely to be so simple. Some cancers, like Wilms' tumor, are more common among children, and cancers like lung cancer reach a peak in middle age, after which the incidence levels off. Some researchers believe that the relation between cancer and age may be explained by the multiple-step model of cancer. If each step in the development of cancer has a low probability but may eventually occur by chance, then the final malignant result will be more likely after more time has elapsed. The author argues that fundamental changes in the organism are also involved. Although only rats and mice have been studied in great detail, there is evidence that the increased incidence in cancer with age is related to the life span of the organism. Twelve-year-old dogs have more cancer than two-year-old dogs. This might indicate that the senescence of the animal, whether man or beast, is more important than the total time elapsed. The author proposes that one of the physiological factors that changes during aging is immune surveillance. According to this model, older people may develop cancer significantly more often since they are less able to destroy renegade cancer cells as they develop. However, the author recognizes that at present there is simply not enough data to support any conclusions about the role of age in the risk of cancer. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Aging, Physiological aspects

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A population-based study of functional status and social support networks of elderly patients newly diagnosed with cancer

Article Abstract:

Many research studies have found that social factors affect health, and that people with few friends and community ties have a greater risk of death than their more sociable peers. The risk of death from all causes among those with poor social networks has been found to be as great as the risk from cigarette smoking. Although little is known about social support among the elderly, the higher incidence of illness suggests that it would be a very important factor in maintaining health or mitigating the effects of disease. This relationship was tested by examining the social networks of 799 newly diagnosed cancer patients 65 years old or older. It was found that there was considerable need for support, which was all too often not available. Few of those in the study were totally dependent, but many relied on others for assistance with daily activities and transportation. Almost half of the patients had poor memories or were incompetent, and were likely to forget to take their medication, or to take too much. Those who were poor, older, non-Hispanic, female, or who had recently moved to the area were more likely to have inadequate social networks. Those who moved to the area continued to have poor social networks even 10 years afterward, and this was not affected by income, age, or ethnic background. Many elderly people move to the ''sunbelt states,'' and many are unmarried and live alone. This contrasts with states with a more stable elderly population, where the elderly also live alone, but have more contact with children, other relatives, and friends. Adequate social support for these cancer patients would help them to cope with stress, and it would also improve access to transportation, assure that medications are taken properly, and help with making decisions. Cancer treatment for the elderly cannot be confined to diagnosis and treatment; programs to provide adequate support services can improve survival and quality of life. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Social aspects, Diseases

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Determinants of cancer stage: a population-based study of elderly New Mexicans

Article Abstract:

When diagnosed early, many forms of cancer are more easily treated and have a superior prognosis. Taking this into account, great effort has been expended to promote the recognition of symptoms by the general population and to promote rapid consultation with a physician when symptoms are observed. Previous studies have established that public awareness programs can have beneficial effects on the early diagnosis and successful treatment of breast cancer. Delay between the recognition of symptoms of breast cancer and seeking professional help is a significant determinant of cancer stage at the time of diagnosis. However, the situation for other cancers is less clear. To determine if delay in seeking medical attention may have a role in the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis, 800 cancer patients 65 and older were interviewed to determine the delay between the time of recognition of symptoms and consultation with a physician. The study focused on cancers of the breast, prostate, colon, and rectum. When the stage of the cancer at diagnosis was correlated with the delay in seeking medical attention, a significant relationship was found only for breast cancer. This finding is in keeping with previous reports. Breast self-examination increased early detection and diagnosis. However, factors such as having a family physician and receiving medical checkups correlated with earlier stage at diagnosis. The results suggest that, among the elderly, programs which attempt to reduce the delay in seeking medical attention are likely to be helpful only for breast cancer, and are not likely to result in improvements in the treatment of other cancers. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Diagnosis, Cancer diagnosis

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