The current body of research may inadequately address the intersection of aging, health disparities, and cancer outcomes among older patients, according to a recent systematic review published by Gilmore et al in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. The findings revealed an urgent need for research tackling biases that potentially impact cancer outcomes in this older population.
Background
The population of cancer survivors who are aged 65 and older is expected to double over the next 20 years.
However, more specifically, regions such as the 27-county Rochester area—which has a high percentage (18%) of patients aged 65 and older and a higher-than-average cancer incidence rate—may be inadequately equipped to treat older patients with cancer.
Study Methods and Results
In the recent review, investigators analyzed articles published between 2016 and 2023 and discovered a lack of studies focused on disparities as well as policies and targeted interventions to improve health equity among older patients with cancer.
“[This] perpetuates cancer inequities and leaves the cancer care system ill-equipped to address the unique needs of the rapidly growing and increasingly diverse [population of] older adults [with] cancer,” the study authors underscored.
Conclusions
The investigators are currently working to promote diversity and train health-care professionals to identify key areas of future investigation. Recently, in collaboration with Wilmot Cancer Institute and the Cancer Prevention and Control research program, they launched the EmREACh student enrichment program at the University of Rochester Medical Center to eliminate barriers for underrepresented undergraduate students interested in science and medicine by pairing them with mentors, educating them on manuscript writing, and introducing them to clinical research and professional development opportunities.
Disclosure: For full disclosures of the study authors, visit agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com.
