Does age matter in palliative care?

PURPOSE: To assess whether age has an impact on symptoms, problems and needs of hospitalized advanced cancer patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective analysis of 181 patients referred to a Palliative Care Team was done using a standardized list of symptoms, problems and needs. Differences between 3 age groups (<60; 60-70; > or =70) were analyzed.

RESULTS: Patients > or =70 years had a significantly different prevalence of depressed mood (48% versus 13% of patients 60-70 years and 24% of patients <60 years, p=0.002), urinary tract problems (20% versus 3% versus 8%, p=0.024) and drowsiness (18% versus 42% versus 25%, p=0.039). They expressed more problems with a shortage of informal caregivers (45% versus 42% versus 17%, p<0.001) and less need for support in coping (40% versus 61% versus 63%, p=0.043), relational support (3% versus 8% versus 14%, p=0.019) and support in communication (0% versus 8% versus 11%, p=0.013).

CONCLUSION: Fewer differences than expected were found. Elderly cancer patients admitted to a hospital have more or less the same symptoms, problems and needs as their younger counterparts. Despite these findings, age-specific assessment of symptoms, problems and needs ought to be part of optimal symptom management.