Is age an important factor in the type of cancer treatment?

Dec 23, 2010

It can be...In my grandfathers situation his age and health have ruled out more invasive types of cancer treatment to his prostate cancer. The Dr said basically it is so slow moving and his is already in such compromised health that surgery and chemo and radiation would be more stressful than beneficial. Basically it will come down to health and Personal choice with cancer treatments and what one can afford I guess.

Helpful Answer (1)

hapfra

Dec 23, 2010

Stells, from what I checked into--age can be a inportant factor with keeping things at bay--depending on the type of cancer you are referring to. I would check with an oncologist about this.
Best,
Hap

RLP

Dec 24, 2010

My husband had prostate cancer at 50 and required immediate and radical treatment due to being relatively young to have prostate cancer. We were told by the oncologist that the treatment would have been to do nothing if he had been much older. One thing I have learned lately is that there is rarely one perfect answer to medical questions, and there is always hope. Take care.

Jaye

Dec 27, 2010

very often elders do not tolerate some of the conventional treatments for cancer well... My Father had bladder cancer it spread to his prostate and his bones. We did several conservative things, a shot into his abdomen, and oral medications. Bless his heart they did not cure it and he went to heaven peacefully and comfortably, at home... We did have hospice care for medications and equipment... They were wonderful!!! I would encourage you to talk with your loved one and ask what they want. Listen and respect their wishes... take care, J

hmonasplace1

Jan 26, 2011

my mom is 79 years old and has uterinecancer stage 1 since october 2010.the doctors said she had to have surgery but she has other medical problems.hypertension ,diabetes and checking her heart but the appoitments are so far apart the surgery was supposed to have been in january but my mom will not innisit on having the appointments sooner.I think she is depress and afraid because she had breast cancer 37 years ago and always stated if cancer came back she would never have a operation again. Also we lost my younger sister past away 4 years ago from lung cancer Should Ijust not ask her anymore about the urgency of the operation and just let her be?