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New directions in cancer and aging: State of the science and recommendations to improve the quality of evidence on the intersection of aging with cancer control
Author(s) -
Kobayashi Lindsay C.,
Westrick Ashly C.,
Doshi Aalap,
Ellis Katrina R.,
Jones Carly R.,
LaPensee Elizabeth,
Mondul Alison M.,
Mullins Megan A.,
Wallner Lauren P.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/cncr.34143
Subject(s) - medicine , cancer , gerontology , psychological resilience , cancer prevention , quality of life (healthcare) , scientific evidence , psychology , nursing , philosophy , epistemology , psychotherapist
Background The global population of older cancer survivors is growing. However, the intersections of aging‐related health risks across the cancer control continuum are poorly understood, limiting the integration of aging into cancer control research and practice. The objective of this study was to review the state of science and provide future directions to improve the quality of evidence in 6 priority research areas in cancer and aging. Methods The authors identified priority research areas in cancer and aging through an evidence‐based Research Jam process involving 32 investigators and trainees from multiple disciplines and research centers in aging and cancer; then, they conducted a narrative review of the state of the science and future directions to improve the quality of evidence in these research areas. Priority research areas were defined as those in which gaps in scientific evidence or clinical practice limit the health and well‐being of older adults with cancer. Results Six priority research areas were identified: cognitive and physical functional outcomes of older cancer survivors, sampling issues in studies of older cancer survivors, risk and resilience across the lifespan, caregiver support and well‐being, quality of care for older patients with cancer, and health disparities. Evidence in these areas could be improved through the incorporation of bias reduction techniques into longitudinal studies of older cancer survivors, novel data linkage, and improved representation of older adults in cancer research. Conclusions The priority research areas and methodologies identified here may be used to guide interdisciplinary research and improve the quality of evidence on cancer and aging.