Oral cancer practice for elderly patients

Abstract

Japan’s population of the elderly aged over 65 years has reached a record high. As a result, the number of patients with oral cancer is increasing yearly.
Elderly patients are characterized by decreased physical and cognitive functions, the presence of comorbidities, reduced life functions, economic problems, and changes in social and family relationships. However, these vary greatly from person to person, and making judgments based on chronological age alone is difficult. Treatment of elderly patients with cancer should be conducted by understanding these characteristics. However, there are no appropriate guidelines that provide indicative criteria for treatment and prognosis, and the treatment has been conducted based on empirical rules in clinical practice. Therefore, the Japanese Society of Oral Oncology has established a committee to create clinical practice guidelines for the elderly with oral cancer; guidelines for medical staff, patients, their families, and government officials are now being prepared and will be published soon.