The state of cancer care in Russia: age and cancer. Features of the localization structure, quality of accounting and survival of patients with malignant neoplasms of senile age and centenarians (population study). Part 5.

Abstract

In accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) standard, the elderly population is defined as individuals aged 75 to 89, while long-livers are those aged 90 and older. According to the United Nations, long-livers are individuals who have reached 100 years of age. In the preceding four messages, we explored the specific detailed localization structure of morbidity, mortality, and survival in pediatric, adolescent, young adult, middle-aged, and elderly populations. However, the analysis of these characteristics for individuals in the elderly and long-liver categories is conducted for the first time. Old age is the period of human life characterized by the loss of the body's ability to sustain the species, deterioration of mental capacities, and decline in bodily functions. It represents an age range for individuals nearing the expected life span. Gerontologists are concerned with medical research into the aging process, while diseases affecting the elderly and old age fall under the purview of geriatrics. The discipline of gerontology deals with the technologies for supporting an aging society. The elderly and older adult populations are more susceptible to diseases and injuries. They face economic challenges related to retirement, loneliness, and ageism – age-based discrimination. The WHO's definition of "elderly" encompasses three five-year age groups, including long-livers: - 75-79 years – early old age - 80-84 years – advanced old age - 85-89 years – late old age - 90 years and older – long-livers. We will attempt to examine the specific localization characteristics and the potential effectiveness of specialized oncological care for each of these age groups. Emphasis will also be placed on the quality of primary patient registration whenever possible.