Thursday, November 20, 2008

Should Prostate Cancer be treated aggressivley in a 93 year old man

Should Prostate Cancer be treated aggressivley in a 93 year old man?

Men's Health - 11 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :

1 :
Man, I don't even want to live to be 93. I'm almost 40 and I'm ready to go at any time.
2 :
Probably not! Sometimes it isn't going to kill you before something else does.
3 :
No. Most aggressive treatments are geared toward saving the 'sex life"...which I assume is not a priority at this point. But treatment should still be considered important as well as compassionate.
4 :
Honestly, and some may think this is cold hearted, but why not let him live out the rest of his life as happy as he can. He has lived life. To put him through aggressive cancer treatment at this age in his life to me would be ridiculous and cruel. He will feel like crap and it takes alot out of a person. In fact I would be surprised if docs were willing to try and aggressively treat at this age in his life. In my opinion it would do more harm than good.
5 :
I should think that would depend on the prognosis. And what kind of condition he's in now. If it were me, I'd say no
6 :
I would think in most cases not. My grandfather was 92 when he was diagnosed and the decision was that it had spread to far to treat. But, each case is different.
7 :
What is his quality of life? If he is still enjoying life, then I would pursue treatment. Aggressive is relative to what you think it is. If he is suffering with multiple medical problems that do affect his life, like dialysis, Alzheimer's, Dementia, paralysis from stroke, etc., then I would consider palliative treatment. Has anyone asked HIM what HE wants to do? Many times people are quick to make decisions for the elderly without including them in the decision.
8 :
Short answer, no. Long answer: At age 93, the following things need to be considered: how aggressive the cancer (stage and grade), is the patient symptomatic (bone pain, lymphedema, excessive weight loss, general fatigue, etc.), and what is the general health of the patient? Usually the treatments are palliative (treating only the pain or symptoms associated with the prostate cancer like bone pain for which he would receive radiation, pain medication, or hormone ablation therapy - like zoladex, lupron, casodex). Really though, he is more likely to succumb to old age or age-related illnesses than to the prostate cancer - dying "with" prostate cancer rather than "from" prostate cancer.
9 :
No, you should be dead.
10 :
It really depends. If the 93 year old man is physically active and mentally sharp, and the cancer is not particularly aggressive, he may want to have the cancer treated. If he has mid or late-stage Alzheimer's or other dementia, or is an invalid -- it probably won't add to his length of life and certainly not to his quality of life.
11 :
I have nothing to add. Barb M said it all and said it pretty well. She was right on with her advise.

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