Decision making in older patients with colorectal cancer: - Risk stratification, outcome of surgery and quality of life -

Abstract

The incidence of elderly patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) has risen significantly over the past decades and is expected to rise even further in upcoming years. Currently, more than 30% of the newly diagnosed CRC patients is 75 years or older. The ageing process makes these older heterogeneous group of cancer patients unique. Therefore, age itself is not a useful selection tool for oncologic treatment. Treatment decision making in the elderly is challenging and optimizing this decision making is very important for this heterogeneous group of patients. The aim of this thesis was to obtain more knowledge on the surgical treatment of elderly CRC patients. Furthermore, the impact of ostomies was studied as well as the usefulness of frailty instruments for risk stratification of older patients and the relevance of geriatric consultations.