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KMID : 0644320030090010099
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Journal of Korean Oriental Oncology
2003 Volume.9 No. 1 p.99 ~ p.108
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Study on characteristics of cancer in the elderly
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Ha Jae-Won
Lee Yeon-Weol
Yoo Hwa-Seung
Cho Chong-Kwan
Cho Jung-Hyo
Son Chang-Gue
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Abstract
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Recently, the proportion of the population older has increased rapidly. As the aged population is increasing, the prevalence of malignancy rises with age, too. We believe that the potential benefits of approach to cancer care in the elderly are self-evident. In order to investigate the characteristics of cancer in the elderly, we reviewed literature related with the biology of the aged with cancer. The elderly undergo age-related changes in their physiology which may result in altered tolerance to disease and to the requirements of the management of illness. The possible reasons for the increased prevalence of cancer in the elderly are a longer potential duration of exposure to carcinogens, a reduced ability of repair DNA and reduced host defences against malignancy. In general, cancer patients in the elderly have a shorter survival. Because it is impossible to offer the active treatment of cancer in the elderly. Also, they have the problems that the psychosocial change and reduce of physiological function such as absorption, metabolism and excretion. We hope that other groups will further research cancer in the elderly in future.
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KEYWORD
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cancer, elderly, survival
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