Source article: https://oncodaily.com/oncolibrary/aging-population-and-cancer
The source addresses the "silent shift" in global cancer trends, highlighting how the rapidly aging global population significantly alters the landscape of cancer incidence, prevalence, and outcomes. It explains that older adults now account for the majority of new cancer diagnoses and deaths worldwide, with this trend accelerating in both developed and developing nations due to increased life expectancy and declining birth rates. The text explores the complex biological reasons behind increased cancer risk in older age, such as DNA damage accumulation and immune system decline, alongside societal factors like healthcare access disparities impacting survival rates. Furthermore, it details predominant cancer types in the elderly, regional variations influenced by socioeconomic factors, and the therapeutic and research implications, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions and greater inclusion of older adults in clinical trials.
