Psychosocial issues. Psychological and social issues for older people with cancer.

Abstract

Elderly people vary from one another and from earlier generations, making generalizations about psychosocial issues for older patients with cancer risky. Social issues for older people with cancer include multiple losses, the reactions of others, arranging for their own care, and meeting responsibilities for others. Older persons with cancer may be primary family caregivers for other relatives. Psychological issues include learned helplessness and loss of control. Routine assessment of psychological and social factors, including patients' preferences, should be done through direct queries to patients. A detailed psychosocial research agenda is proposed. When possible, psychosocial studies should be linked to studies of the disease and its treatment.