March 2015

The terminology of aging has changed over the past decade or so, and we're now using phrases such as young old (aged 60 to 69 years), middle old (aged 70 to 79 years), and the very old (aged 80+).

Cancer treatment can render the most capable 30-somethings unable to care for themselves, but it can take a far greater toll on older patients.

A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NRO14856), "Factors Influencing Cancer Care Decisions," is currently underway at the Frances Payne Bolton (FPB) School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) and the Seidman Cancer Center at Case Medical Center. The study focuses on the complex practice of shared decision-making in advanced cancer patients.