Health

Making Cancer Treatment Easier for Older Adults

Cancer patients today are benefiting from more aggressive and effective treatments — leading to longer survival and greater hope than ever before. And while this is good news, many older cancer patients often have more difficulty during treatment than their younger counterparts.

“Older adults are more vulnerable to the side effects of treatment, which can have a significant impact on both function and quality of life,” explains UAB geriatrician and palliative medicine specialist Elizabeth Kvale, MD. “But there is an opportunity for older cancer patients to make some key lifestyle changes that can increase the chances of survival and improve quality of life.”

Focus on Nutritional Needs

“Older cancer patients are more susceptible to gastrointestinal side effects of cancer treatment,” explains Dr. Kvale. “The ideal approach is to have older patients evaluated from a nutritional standpoint to be certain they’re getting an adequate intake of key nutrients. This can certainly affect energy levels and overall quality of life during treatment.”

Also, Dr. Kvale stresses that older cancer patients should be certain they’re getting adequate levels of vitamin D. “This nutrient plays an important role in immune function,” she says.

Stay Active If You Can

“The benefits of regular activity and exercise during cancer treatment can’t be overstated,” Dr. Kvale observes. “We typically think people who are undergoing cancer treatment should rest more and limit activities – but this isn’t necessarily the case.”

Dr. Kvale stresses that you should check with your physician about the level of activity that’s appropriate for you. “But most people can stay relatively active during treatment. Activity helps to maintain sleep cycles, appetite, muscle mass, and energy levels. It’s also one of the most important factors for survivorship.”

Be Proactive About Quality of Life Issues

Dr. Kvale emphasizes that most cancer patients experience some degree of functional impairment during treatment. “We do expect that older cancer patients will experience some decline in function due to treatment,” explains Dr. Kvale. She notes that mental impairments experienced during treatment include problems with short-term memory, decision-making ability, and difficulty processing information. “Often, older adults attribute these changes to aging — instead of treatment — and don’t seek help from their physician.”

Instead, Dr. Kvale says that older adults and their families should be proactive about regaining quality of life during treatment. “It’s important for older cancer patients to know that interventions are available that can help them regain their functional abilities, remain independent — and improve overall quality of life during treatment.”