CANCER IN OLDER ADULTS: POPULATION AGING, SPECIFICITIES OF CARE, AND CHALLENGES FOR PUBLIC HEALTH

Resumen

Population aging has increased the share of older adults in the global and national cancer burden, requiring specific responses from health systems. This study analyzed the epidemiological profile of cancer in older adults, the biological and clinical characteristics of this population, and the main challenges facing public health and care delivery. This is a narrative literature review with a qualitative, descriptive approach, based on scientific publications, guidelines issued by geriatric oncology societies, institutional documents, and Brazilian legislation. The results showed that cancer is concentrated in older age groups, with the number of cases projected to increase substantially over the coming decades, particularly in less developed regions, and with lung, colorectal, prostate, breast, and stomach cancers being especially prominent. Chronological age alone was found not to reflect the heterogeneity of aging, supporting the use of comprehensive geriatric assessment to identify vulnerabilities, estimate the risk of toxicity, and guide therapeutic management. The underrepresentation of older adults in clinical trials, inequalities in access, and the need for multidisciplinary teams, including nursing professionals, were also identified. It is concluded that cancer care for older adults requires epidemiological surveillance, individualized assessment, specific professional training, and public policies that ensure equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care.