Gastrointestinal malignancies in the elderly

MALIGNANT NEOPLASMS significantly increase in frequency with advancing age. In the United States, colorectal tumors comprise the third leading cause of cancer death in elderly males and the leading cause of cancer death in elderly females. Clinical features and tumor characteristics may vary in elderly patients resulting in diagnostic delay. Information on the appropriate treatment of elderly patients with gastrointestinal malignancies is insufficient, largely due to exclusion of such patients from clinical trials. The value of screening and prevention strategies in elderly patients, particularly in relation to colorectal cancer, remains to be determined.