End-of-life care for elderly patients with gynecologic cancer

Lois M. Ramondetta, Maxine Grace de la Cruz, Eden Mae C. Rodriguez

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

In general, the survival outlook for gynecologic cancer patients with advanced disease is poor. Moreover, compared with younger women, older women often present with more advanced gynecological malignancies and are more likely to die from the disease. Symptom management is the most important aspect of care for a patient with advanced disease. The issues involved in providing care directed at excellent symptom management and patient QOL are complex and numerous for elderly gynecologic cancer patients. In this chapter, we discuss some of the end-oflife issues speci fi c to this population as well as issues found more commonly in this population with gynecological cancer and other types of cancer.This chapter addresses four speci fi c areas of end-of-life pportive care and management strategies for elderly patients with gynecological cancer: 1. Gastrointestinal obstructions, fi stula, ascites, and effusions at end of life 2. Pain management issues in elderly patients 3. Fatigue, anorexia, anxiety, and depression 4.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationManagement of Gynecological Cancers in Older Women
PublisherSpringer-Verlag London Ltd
Pages367-390
Number of pages24
ISBN (Electronic)9781447146056
ISBN (Print)9781447122159
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2013

Keywords

  • Bowel obstruction
  • Cancer-related symptoms
  • End-of-life care
  • Pain control
  • Psychological issues

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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