Older Patients with Prostate Cancer

CharlieG

Very interesting article about treatment for older patients. There is still a lot of life to live at 75!

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6B670E20101207

Kongo

Thanks
Charlie, thanks for posting this. When you read the conclusion of the original abstract that this story summarizes, it says:

"Older patients are more likely to have high-risk prostate cancer at diagnosis and less likely to receive local therapy. Indeed, underuse of potentially curative local therapy among older men with high-risk disease may in part explain observed differences in cancer-specific survival across age strata. These findings support making decisions regarding treatment on the basis of disease risk and life expectancy rather than on chronologic age."

As most of us who have gone for a ride on the PCa rollercoaster know, patients need to be aggressive in pursuing their interests with the medical communituy, educated in the pros and cons of treatment options, and be willing to do the necessary research and consultations to find the best outcome for our individual cases. Many elderly men are uncomfortable with doing online research or even know how to access the information they need to make informed decisions. Children of such patients can help in this area but many men may not have this option. Many of these men simply need an advocate.

CharlieG

Kongo said:

Thanks
Charlie, thanks for posting this. When you read the conclusion of the original abstract that this story summarizes, it says:

"Older patients are more likely to have high-risk prostate cancer at diagnosis and less likely to receive local therapy. Indeed, underuse of potentially curative local therapy among older men with high-risk disease may in part explain observed differences in cancer-specific survival across age strata. These findings support making decisions regarding treatment on the basis of disease risk and life expectancy rather than on chronologic age."

As most of us who have gone for a ride on the PCa rollercoaster know, patients need to be aggressive in pursuing their interests with the medical communituy, educated in the pros and cons of treatment options, and be willing to do the necessary research and consultations to find the best outcome for our individual cases. Many elderly men are uncomfortable with doing online research or even know how to access the information they need to make informed decisions. Children of such patients can help in this area but many men may not have this option. Many of these men simply need an advocate.

Older Patients
I agree that some of the older men faced with PCa aren't as comfortable with various internet sites and research. I am a firm believer that everyone, old or young, should have a strong advocate if they are unable or they are unsure about how to be fully informed.

Tough decisions to make without support and independent counsel.

Swingshiftworker

What's "Older"?
How does the study define "older?"

I'm 60. That's pretty OLD to a lot of people, but in the forum I think I may just be a "whippersnapper." LOL!!!