Download Background: The number of elderly cancer patients is increasing

Background:
The number of elderly cancer patients is increasing significantly due to the aging population and
the increasing incidence of cancer in general. In 2010, 35,563 persons were diagnosed with cancer
in Denmark of whom 46% of men and 40% of women were aged 70 years or older. Recent
predictions indicate that the number of new cancer cases in Denmark will increase by
approximately 30% from 2011-2030. The majority of this increase will be in the elderly.
Our knowledge of elderly cancer patients’ tolerance to and benefit from oncologic treatment is
sparse due to underrepresentation of this patient group in clinical trials.
Study 1: Register-based study examining comorbidity among older cancer patients.
Study 2: Randomized trial examining the significance of geriatric assessment for optimal treatment
of older cancer patients.
Study 3: Biological study with the aim of identifying and validating relevant biomarkers in older cancer
patients.
Sambavy Nadaraja, MD, PhD student
Clinical Institute, University of Southern Denmark/Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital