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Aging and Cancer: What Oncologists Need to Know

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Book cover Geriatric Oncology

Cancer is a disease associated with aging. Approximately 60% of cancer diagnoses and 70% of cancer mortalities occur in patients age 65 or older. By 2011 in the United States, the “Baby Boomer” generation will be turning 65. The aging of these baby boomers, along with a rise in the overall life expectancy, is leading to a rapid growth of the older U.S. population. By 2030, one in five Americans will be age 65 or older. These demographics, along with the known association between cancer and aging, will contribute to an enormous rise in the number of older adults with cancer. Incorporating geriatric principles of care will be increasingly essential to cancer treatment.

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Hurria, A., Balducci, L. (2009). Aging and Cancer: What Oncologists Need to Know. In: Hurria, A., Balducci, L. (eds) Geriatric Oncology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-89070-8_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-89070-8_1

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