Palliative care among elderly cancer patients: Own experience

• Published in: Reports of practical oncology and radiotherapy 2013-01, Vol.18 (1), p.49-52
• Main Authors: Slovacek, Ladislav, Kopecký, Jindřich, Priester, Peter, Slováčková, Birgita, Slánská, Iva, Petera, Jiří
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Elderly patient; Geriatric oncology; Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine; Original; Outpatient palliative cancer care; Quality of life; Radiology
• ISSN: 1507-1367; 2083-4640
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rpor.2012.07.016

Abstract Background Annually, more than 27,000 persons die of cancer in the Czech Republic. It is known that in addition to the demographic aging of the Czech population, the cancer burden is increased. Aim These data clearly demonstrate the need for affordable and good follow-up care for patients, especially for older patients and/or patients with no other cancer treatment due to irreversible progression of tumor. Materials and methods We are talking about so-called palliative cancer care, which can be provided at different levels. One of the most common forms of palliative cancer care is hospice care. Results Our clinic in the years 2008–2010 received a total of 446 patients. 288 of them were women and 158 men. The average age of women was 61 years (age range 20–81 years). The average age of men was 56 years (age range 18–96 years). The performance status was in the fitness category PS-0 (8%), PS-1 (54%), PS-2 (33%) and PS-3 (5%). Conclusion Currently the outpatient palliative cancer care are coming more into the forefront. This type of care allows patients to stay as long as possible at home among their close relatives. Prerequisite for a well working outpatient palliative care is cooperation with general practitioners and home health care agencies.