Strategies to overcome barriers to early detection of cancer among older adults.

Abstract

If health professionals wish to help increase the number of older adults who get screened regularly to detect cancer at an early stage, they must first understand the barriers to screening that older people experience. This paper discusses the barriers older women face regarding mammography screening. Data from American Association of Retired Persons research are presented, and strategies being implemented across the country are discussed. Barriers that older men face in terms of screening for prostate cancer and preventive health in general are also addressed. Finally, specific recommendations for health providers to use to educate seniors are offered.