Chronological Age vs. Apparent Age

Christie Brinkley is 61 years old, but looks much younger!  And we all know someone who looks a lot older than they really are.

In the initial interview and examination of patients, a medical and dental history is discussed, and we always make an assessment of what a patient's apparent age is in relation to their chronological age.  Those patients who look, act and feel younger than their actual age usually respond more favorably and often more quickly to treatment.

New research is showing that "ageism" is affecting the treatment of cancer patients.  The data suggests that some elderly oncology patients are being under-treated because of their age.  The studies assert that older patients with several different tumor types (including rectal, prostate, and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma) are not receiving optimal care because they are being judged by their chronological age rather than by their overall level of fitness.

These findings are suggested by retrospective analysis of 14,909 patients using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database, and other studies of thousands of patients, all of which show lack of preoperative radiotherapy or chemo-radiotherapy in the treatment of patients over the age of 55.  This lack of optimal care reduces their survival rates.

Source:  CancerTherapyAdvisor

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate American Board of Prosthodontics
(661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com
5060 California Ave., #170
Bakersfield, CA 93309