Elderly patients with cancer: an ethical dilemma

Longevity is the greatest risk factor for developing cancer. However, despi te the increasing focus placed on cancer in the elderly, a prominent discre pancy relating to the age of the patient persists, with elderly people ofte n receiving less than optimal treatment and care. There is no doubt that ag eism has a profound impact on health care received by elderly people. Incor porating ethical principles into their clinical practice could facilitate h ealth professionals in the provision of optimal treatment and care for elde rly patients with cancer. This article explores some basic ethical assumpti ons regarding the needs of this patient group in relation to the ethical di lemmas of truth telling, consent and relationships, and power. (C) 2000 Els evier Science Ireland Ltd, All rights reserved.