Border Medical Oncology, Wodonga, Australia.
Intern Med J. 2009 Nov;39(11):771-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2009.02056.x.
Management of cancer in the elderly presents an unprecedented challenge in Australia with the proportion of the population aged over 65 years set to double over the next four decades. Despite the complex healthcare needs of the older patient with cancer, there is currently little communication or cooperation between the fields of oncology and geriatrics. Improved interdisciplinary communication would facilitate care that is framed within current oncology practice while taking account of physiological age, complex comorbidities, risk of adverse events and pharmacological interactions as well as the implications of cognitive impairment on suitability for treatment and consent. An important first step has been taken towards the development of a strategic, focused and collaborative approach to the management of cancer in older people through a national interdisciplinary workshop convened by the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia in April 2008. Engagement and commitment of both oncology and geriatric disciplines is now critical to ensure that momentum is not lost in progressing this important and growing area of healthcare.
在澳大利亚，老年人癌症的管理带来了前所未有的挑战，预计在未来四十年内，65 岁以上人口的比例将翻一番。尽管老年癌症患者的医疗需求复杂，但肿瘤学和老年医学领域之间目前几乎没有沟通或合作。改善跨学科沟通将有助于在考虑生理年龄、复杂合并症、不良事件和药物相互作用风险以及认知障碍对治疗和同意的适宜性的情况下，为目前的肿瘤学实践框架内提供护理。通过澳大利亚临床肿瘤学会于 2008 年 4 月召开的全国跨学科研讨会，朝着制定老年人癌症管理的战略性、重点突出和协作方法迈出了重要的第一步。肿瘤学和老年医学学科的参与和承诺现在至关重要，以确保在推进这一重要且不断发展的医疗保健领域方面不会失去动力。
