TranslateColorectal Cancer (Germany)
Colorectal cancer (CRC, colorectal cancer) is the second most common new cancer in women and the third most common in men in Germany, with the age of the initial diagnosis being more than 70 years on average. The CRC ranks third in Germany as the cause of cancer death in Germany. Due to the aging population, the incidence of CRC will increase significantly. In addition, due to the improved treatment options, more elderly people will live with a CRC with the possible consequences of the disease and therapy.
CRC requires interdisciplinary, interprofessional and cross-sector care (cancer care continuum), which ranges from diagnosis, therapy, aftercare and palliation to end-of-life care. Due to comorbidities, possible frailty and pre-existing conditions, current care does not sufficiently take into account the special needs for older patients with CRC.
The involvement of patients with CRC and their relatives in clinical research has so far been limited. In addition, older patients with CRC are systematically underrepresented in clinical studies. As a result, older patients with CRC are often over- or under-treated.
As long as these groups are not involved in the planning, implementation and evaluation of clinical studies, deficits in the therapy of elderly patients remain.
The Colorectal Cancer PSP (Germany) Top 10 was published in May 2022.
PSP website
