Experts weigh cancer screening strategy based on life expectancy

Date: Nov-19-2013Calculating comorbidity-adjusted life expectancy may help physicians determine whether to continue or stop cancer screening in elderly patients, according to a study published in Annals of Internal Medicine.
The benefits of early cancer detection decline sharply with age because older patients are more likely to die of comorbid conditions or other causes. Published guidelines differ on when to stop screening elderly patients for cancer. For example, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends stopping colorectal cancer screening at age 75, whereas the American College of Physicians recommends taking the patient's comorbidities and life-expectancy into consideration before stopping screening.
Researchers used Medicare data on elderly patients without cancer to develop tables estimating life expectancy for those with and those without comorbid conditions. They found that patients with higher levels of comorbidity had shorter life expectancies than healthy patients of the same age.
The researchers conclude that using life-expectancy rather than chronological age to individualize cancer screening strategies could maximize benefits of screening and minimize potential harms. However, the researchers note that a complex issue such as cancer screening should also incorporate individual patient preferences into the decision-making process.

Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.