Cancer in the older Indian population: Understanding the current context in an emerging economy

India is considered a demographically young country with over 65% of the population aged below 35 years. However, improvements in maternal and child health, and infectious diseases, have created a rapid epidemiological transition with an aging population (8.6% in 2011) with a projected increase (19%...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of geriatric oncology 2022-04, Vol.13 (3), p.273-281
Main Authors: Nethan, Suzanne, Cherian, Meena, Brain, Etienne, Ganguli, Atreyi, Tullu, Fikru, Musolino, Najia, Hariprasad, Roopa, Sullivan, Richard, Mehrotra, Ravi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Aging
Cancer
Delivery of Health Care
Humans
India
India - epidemiology
Neoplasms - epidemiology
Neoplasms - therapy
Older patients
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:India is considered a demographically young country with over 65% of the population aged below 35 years. However, improvements in maternal and child health, and infectious diseases, have created a rapid epidemiological transition with an aging population (8.6% in 2011) with a projected increase (19% by 2050), equating to 104 million. In addition to the well-articulated issues surrounding the care of the older patients with cancer, the Indian context as an emerging economy provides additional social, political, economic and clinical challenges. This review addresses the key issues and possible solutions germane to both policymakers in India and other emerging economies. Extension of cancer prevention, equal, optimal treatment opportunities, and inclusion in clinical trials, akin to the younger population, must be encouraged. Various national health initiatives require effective implementation, to provide uniform, evidence-based, cancer care across India. Designated geriatric oncology departments, and required care at the primary healthcare level are essential.
ISSN:1879-4068
1879-4076
DOI:10.1016/j.jgo.2021.10.013