Age-specific differences in the diagnostics and treatment of cancer patients aged 50 years and older in the province of Limburg, the Netherlands

Background: In the Netherlands, 45% of all cancer cases occur in men and women aged 70 years and older. Since the population is ageing and cancer incidence rises with age, the number of new malignancies in the elderly is increasing. It has become apparent that there is a relationship between age at diagnosis and the treatment received. Therefore, age-specific variations in patterns of care for six common forms of cancer in the elderly, are examined. Patients and methods: Patients aged 50 years and older, diagnosed in the period 1988–1992 in Middle and South Limburg with breast, colorectal, lun... Mehr ...