Colon cancer patients who are 65 and older may benefit from a
caregiver's involvement, and caregivers may ultimately have a major
impact on patients' disease management, according to a survey of
oncologists commissioned by the Alliance for Aging Research.
Ninety percent of oncologists feel that caregivers have a moderate to
major impact on the decision-making process. Unfortunately, only about
64 percent of colon cancer patients in this age group have caregivers'
support.
"Physicians should encourage patients to enlist a caregiver and involve
them in the treatment decision-making process," said Dr. Stuart
Lichtman, associate attending physician at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Cancer Center.
More than half of oncologists who agree that colon cancer patients 65
and older have a more difficult time managing their disease than
younger patients also agree that these patients are generally less
proactive about researching available treatment options. Seventy-seven
percent said that such patients experienced better disease outcomes
with a caregiver's involvement due to increased communication.
Additionally, caregivers play an important role in providing emotional
support, participating in doctors' visits and in decisions about
disease management options and providing transportation to appointments.
"It is clear that caregivers are key to ensuring that colon cancer
patients 65 and older receive the best care," said Daniel Perry,
executive director of Alliance for Aging Research. "Since managing
colon cancer can be a complicated and confusing process especially for
the aging population, a caregiver, whether a spouse, child, friend or
neighbor, should be actively involved."
"Crossing Jordan" star Miguel Ferrer, who lost his father, José Ferrer,
to colon cancer, is partnering with the Alliance for Aging Research in
a program called "Caring for the Aging," to educate colon cancer
patients and caregivers about the importance of active involvement in
the treatment of the disease. This awareness program is sponsored by
sanofi-aventis.
"The involvement of my stepmother helped ease my father's
decision-making process as he went down a difficult path," Ferrer said.
"I encourage all caregivers and family members to become actively
involved and ask the right questions to ensure the best possible
outcomes for their loved one."
