Does age matter in palliative care?

PurposeTo assess whether age has an impact on symptoms, problems and needs of hospitalized advanced cancer patients.Patients and methodsA prospective analysis of 181 patients referred to a Palliative Care Team was done using a standardized list of symptoms, problems and needs. Differences between 3 age groups (<60; 60–70; ≥70) were analyzed.ResultsPatients ≥70 years had a significantly different prevalence of depressed mood (48% versus 13% of patients 60–70 years and 24% of patients <60 years, p = 0.002), urinary tract problems (20% versus 3% versus 8%, p = 0.024) and drowsiness (18% versus 42% versus 25%, p = 0.039). They expressed more problems with a shortage of informal caregivers (45% versus 42% versus 17%, p < 0.001) and less need for support in coping (40% versus 61% versus 63%, p = 0.043), relational support (3% versus 8% versus 14%, p = 0.019) and support in communication (0% versus 8% versus 11%, p = 0.013).ConclusionFewer differences than expected were found. Elderly cancer patients admitted to a hospital have more or less the same symptoms, problems and needs as their younger counterparts. Despite these findings, age-specific assessment of symptoms, problems and needs ought to be part of optimal symptom management.