Psychiatry, Mental Health Nursing and Healthcare

Geriatric Oncology

Geriatric oncology is the branch of medicine which deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the elderly people, especially above the age of 65. Research suggests that in the last few years, there are large proportions of people growing older where 60% of the malignant tumors and 70% of the cancer deaths occur with the people of age 65 and above. Just as the child consults pediatrician, elders with this disease consult geriatric oncologist. Nursing for such elders is necessary because they face many problems which includes medical histories, numerous drugs they are taking, their social situations, possible problems with cognitive dysfunction related to age, and general reduction of organ function that occurs naturally in the older population.