PREVALENCE OF CANCER, HEALTH-CARE AND DAI LY-LIFE ASSISTANCE IN PERSONS OVER 75 IN TARN (FRANCE)

The association between cancer and dependence was estimated using a cr oss-sectional study among persons 75 years of age or older in Tarn cou nty (area with a cancer registry recognized by the National Committee of Registries). A representative random sample stratified on age, sex, and size of district, was drawn using the electoral registers. Each p erson randomly selected answered the questions of a surveyor about pre vious history of cancer, aid in daily life activities and use of healt h care. Among 5,161, the questionnaire was filled for 3,368 persons (p articipation: 65.3%). Only 2.3% declared a past history of cancer (can cers diagnosed before 1982 and cancers of the skin excluded). After ve rification 12.6% of the men and 5.2% of the women in the sample were f ound in the registry. This result shows a very high tendancy for peopl e not to declare their disease. From 75 years of age, 1 man among 8, a nd 1 woman among 20 suffer or have suffered from a cancer during the l ast 12 years. Only a weak association between prevalence of cancer and aid in daily life activities could be found, probably explained by th e important polymorbidity existing in this age group. The persons who suffered from cancer, are not more often confined in bed or in the old people's home. Regarding use of health care, they see a nurse or thei r general practitioner more frequently, they have been operated or adm itted in the hospital more frequently than persons without a past hist ory of cancer. Persons with a past history of ear-nose-throat cancer d iffer from other cancers by needing more aid to go out of their home, and by taking medical advice more frequently. Except for the ear-nose- throat cases, cancer (aside from the acute stage) does not generate mo re dependence or hinder the quality of survival, in comparison to thos e of people of the same age.