According to a study led by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center, adults aging 80 and older with early-stage lung cancer can safely undergo surgery and achieve outcomes. Lung cancer treatment has long been thought to be unsuccessful among aging people. But this new study has proved that even people aged over 80 can still safely have surgery and get cured.
Study Findings and Publication
The study has been published in The Lancer Regional Health – Americas and it showed that surgery for lung cancer is safe among people aging 80 and above, especially when lung cancer is in its early stage. “As our population ages, more patients over 80 are being diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer, yet they are often not considered for surgery,” said Raja M. Flores, Chair of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Mount Sinai Health System. “Our findings show that when patients are carefully selected based on their overall health, not just their age, they can tolerate surgery well and experience excellent long-term outcomes,” he added.
Study Details and Patient Outcomes
In this study, 884 patients with early-stage lung cancer were involved including 114 aging 80 or older. The team examined the surgical outcomes and quality of life in patients. They found that older patients lived just as long as younger after surgery. The study noted that early detection is the key to successful recovery.
Importance of Inclusive Screening Guidelines
The team also called for screening guidelines to include those aging above 80 years. Many above 80 are not offered surgery because of their age but age should not be the lone factor. This study is a reminder to focus on the overall health of patient and not just rule out surgery on the basis of age.
Improving Life Expectancy and Quality of Life
Also, the study shows that the right approach and timely intervention help to extend both life expectancy and overall quality of life for the older population.
The information shared in this blog is for educational purposes only.
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