Worldwide the population is ageing. Colorectal cancer is the third commonest
cancer in Great Britain. In this thesis, the epidemiology of colorectal cancer in
patients aged sixty-five and over has been described. Between 1971 and 2006 the
number of older people diagnosed with colorectal cancer has increased by nearly
an extra ten thousand cases per year reflecting an increasing burden amongst the
older patient population in Great Britain. The management of older colorectal
cancer patients is challenging. A prospective cohort study, “The assessment and
management of older patients with colorectal cancer”, was undertaken to
investigate the use of a comprehensive geriatric assessment in patients aged sixtyfive
and over. The ability of specific assessment tools to predict functional decline
or death at one year, and if they could predict for severe chemotherapy toxicity in
patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, was explored. Older patients receiving
chemotherapy may be at increased risk of treatment-related toxicity for a variety
of reasons. A study, “Global health measures and tolerance of cytotoxic
chemotherapy”, was undertaken to investigate the predictive ability of three
assessment tools in patients aged sixty-five and over receiving chemotherapy.
Malnutrition may be an issue in older cancer patients that is not always addressed.
The use of three nutritional screening tools in assessing patients with metastatic
colorectal cancer has been investigated and the rates of malnutrition in older and
younger patients compared. Social networks and support are important in helping
cancer patients through treatment. Socially isolated patients may be at higher risk
of death compared to those with strong social ties. An observational survey of
patients attending an oncology outpatient department was performed and social
ties of older and younger patients reported.
Date of Award | May 2012 |
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Original language | English |
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Awarding Institution | |
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Cancer in older patients: the impact of global health assessments, measures and outcomes
Stokoe, J. (Author). May 2012
Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis