The challenges of oncogerontology
Abstract
Oncogerontology is a term that describes an interdisciplinary discipline dealing with the broadly understood relationship between oncology and human aging. The problems that pose a challenge for oncogerontology include, among others, the deteriorating cancer epidemiological situation, as well as the impact of the COVID pandemic on this situation, age restriction of screening tests in the elderly and the inequalities for older patients in accessing medical services and their participation in clinical trials. Data from the National Cancer Registry show an increase in the incidence and mortality of malignancies, especially in the elderly population. The epidemiological situation of cancer in Poland has been negatively affected by the COVID pandemic. New EU recommendations increase the number and quality of screening tests in the elderly. This group of patients has limited access to some oncological services and clinical trials. Artificial intelligence is an opportunity to improve diagnostics, therapy and oncology care in older patients.
Keywords: cancer epidemiologyCOVID pandemicscreening testsclinical trialsartificial intelligence
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