Old Age and Cancer

Aging is one of the topics that is on the front burner for the developed and developing countries and its importance increases every passing day. Cancer is one of the reasons for mortality and morbidity during old age. Cancer incidence increases with age. This increase is explained with the molecular changes occurring with aging, insufficiencies in the immune system, old tissues¿ increased sensitivity to carcinogens and carcinogenesis being a long process. Increasing lifespan leads to the cells to lose their ability to rejuvenescence and the development of cancer cells. Therefore, it is natural for the cancer incidence to increase with age. While the treatment and care of the elderly cancer patients is planned, an extensive evaluation is essential. The effects of aging related physical, cognitive, social and economic factors should be taken into consideration during this evaluation. This book will be helpful for the healthcare professionals, researchers and students that are interested in the topic ¿the elderly and cancer¿; will reveal the connection between old age and the development of cancer.