AUTHOR=Nguyen Nam Phong , Karlsson Ulf Lennart , Lehrman David , Mazibuko Thandeka , Saghatelyan Tatul , Thariat Juliette , Baumert Brigitta G. , Vinh-Hung Vincent , Gorobets Olena , Giap Huan , Singh Sankalp , Chi Alexander , Alessandrini Graciana , Ahluwalia Abhinav , Durosinmi-Etti Francis , Zegarra Cárdenas Jorge , Diabate Koniba , Oboite Joan , Oboite Eromosele , Mehmood Tahir , Vuong Te , Kim Lyndon , Page Brandi R. 

TITLE=Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on older cancer patients: Proposed solution by the International Geriatric Radiotherapy Group

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Oncology

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2023

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2023.1091329

DOI=10.3389/fonc.2023.1091329

ISSN=2234-943X

ABSTRACT=Older  cancer  patients  are  disproportionally  affected  by  the  Coronavirus  19  (COVID-19)  pandemic.  A  higher  rate  of  death  and  potential  long-term  disability  produce  fear  of  contracting  the  virus. Delay  in  diagnosis  and  treatment  may  lead  to  a  poor  outcome  which  may  be  prevented.  Thus,  physicians  should  devise  a  policy  which  help  older  patients  overcome  their  fear  to  seek  early  cancer  diagnosis  and  treatment  and  to  support  their  need  during  treatment. A  combination  of  telemedicine  and  holistic  approach  involving  prayers  for  older  cancer  patients  with  a  high  level  of  spirituality  may  improve  vaccination  rates and  improve their  quality  of  life  during  treatment.  Collaboration  between  health  care  workers,  social  workers,  faith-based  leaders,  and  cancer  survivors  may  be  crucial  to  achieve  that  goal.  Social  media  may  be  an  important  component  to  portray  a  positive  message  for  older  cancer  patients  that  chronological  age  is  not  an  impediment  to  treatment.