Choosing Between Cancer Treatment Options for an Elderly Parent

The choice of whether or not to undergo cancer treatment for my mother?

Hello, my mother is 83 years old.
She fell and fractured her femur on June 1, and during the treatment, she was diagnosed with stage 2A cervical cancer.
The physician at Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital recommended radiation therapy combined with low-dose chemotherapy.
However, our family is concerned about her age and whether she can endure the treatment, leading to uncertainty between treatment and no treatment.

Could you please clarify if radiation therapy alone has relatively mild side effects? Additionally, if we decide against treatment, how can we help improve her quality of life and alleviate her suffering in her remaining days? Are there any relevant organizations we can consult for assistance? Thank you for your prompt response, and I appreciate your help.

Miss Lin, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/19

Dr. Huang Yuande reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

The standard treatment for stage IIA cervical cancer is radical hysterectomy.
If the patient's physical condition is poor, radiation therapy may also be considered.
Radiation therapy typically does not cause significant discomfort at the time of treatment and still has a certain level of efficacy, so it is recommended as an option to potentially extend life.
The approach taken by Dalin Tzu Chi is appropriate.

Reply Date: 2020/08/19

More Info

Choosing the right cancer treatment for an elderly parent can be a daunting task, especially when considering the potential side effects and the overall quality of life. In your mother's case, being 83 years old and diagnosed with stage 2A cervical cancer, it is understandable that you and your family are weighing the options carefully.

Treatment Options
1. Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is often recommended for cervical cancer, especially in cases like your mother's where the cancer is localized. The side effects of radiation can vary, but they are generally considered to be less severe than those associated with chemotherapy. Common side effects may include fatigue, skin irritation in the treated area, and potential changes in bowel or bladder function. However, many patients tolerate radiation well, especially when it is administered at lower doses.

2. Chemotherapy: The addition of chemotherapy can enhance the effectiveness of radiation, particularly in more advanced cases. However, chemotherapy can also lead to more pronounced side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and a weakened immune system. Given your mother's age and recent surgery, her ability to tolerate chemotherapy may be compromised.

Considerations for Treatment
When deciding on treatment, it is crucial to consider your mother's overall health, her preferences, and her quality of life. Here are some factors to consider:
- Overall Health: If your mother has other health issues or is frail, the risks associated with chemotherapy may outweigh the benefits. In such cases, radiation alone might be a more suitable option.

- Quality of Life: It is essential to discuss with your mother her wishes regarding treatment. Some patients prefer to avoid aggressive treatments in favor of maintaining their quality of life, even if it means forgoing curative options.

- Palliative Care: If you choose not to pursue aggressive treatment, palliative care can significantly enhance your mother's quality of life. This approach focuses on relieving symptoms and improving comfort. Palliative care teams can provide support for pain management, emotional support, and assistance with daily activities.

Support and Resources
If you decide to pursue palliative care or need assistance in managing your mother's symptoms, there are various resources available:
- Hospice Care: If your mother’s condition progresses and she requires end-of-life care, hospice services can provide comprehensive support for both patients and families.

- Local Cancer Support Groups: Many communities have organizations that offer resources, counseling, and support for families dealing with cancer.

- Healthcare Providers: Always keep an open line of communication with your mother's healthcare team. They can provide valuable insights into managing side effects and improving her quality of life.

Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision between treatment and no treatment should be made collaboratively with your mother, her healthcare providers, and your family. It is essential to weigh the potential benefits of treatment against the risks and side effects, especially considering her age and recent health challenges. If you choose to proceed with radiation therapy, it may offer a balance between managing the cancer and maintaining her quality of life. If you opt for palliative care, focus on comfort and support can significantly enhance her remaining time. Whatever decision you make, ensure it aligns with your mother's values and preferences, as this will be the most meaningful approach for her care.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Treatment Options for Advanced Liver Cancer in Elderly Patients

Dear Doctor, My mother is 89 years old. Last year, she was diagnosed with liver cancer, and after undergoing transarterial embolization and radiofrequency ablation, it was discovered that there were metastases, which were also treated with radiofrequency ablation. This year, it ...

Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Dear Sir, Regarding your inquiry, according to the National Health Insurance regulations, there are conditions that qualify for coverage. However, whether your mother’s physical condition can tolerate the side effects of targeted therapy or chemotherapy needs to be assessed thro...

Understanding Chemotherapy Decisions for Elderly Cancer Patients

Dear Dr. Fan, My mother is 78 years old and discovered a lump in her breast in February. She underwent surgery at Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, where a biopsy confirmed it was cancer. A few weeks after the surgery, we received the pathology report, which indicated it was stage II and ...

Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Dear Mr. Yuan, Hello. First of all, considering your mother's age, it is highly likely that her breast cancer specimen's estrogen receptor (ER) is positive. If this is the case, I recommend administering the oral estrogen receptor antagonist Tamoxifen for two years, fo...

Effective Treatment Options for Advanced Lung Cancer in Elderly Patients

Hello, my grandfather is in his 70s and recently went to the hospital for an examination, where he was suspected to have advanced lung cancer. Given that he has a history of heart issues, what treatment options would be most appropriate? I hope you can provide me with your valuab...

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
1. It is expected that this condition may only allow for one to two years of life. 2. Treatment options are limited to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. 3. Choosing not to treat is also an option. 4. Delaying treatment until symptoms arise is another choice. 5. Please d...

Navigating Breast Cancer Treatment Options for a 90-Year-Old Grandmother

Recently, it was discovered that my 90-year-old grandmother has stage II breast cancer, PR+ER+Her2+(currently undergoing FISH testing). I would like to ask: 1. If examinations show no metastasis, but due to her age and the inherent risks of surgery, she chooses to forgo surgica...

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Meg, 30 years old, female. 1. After examination, there is no metastasis, but due to age and the inherent risks of surgery, she chooses to forgo surgical intervention. Can she opt for direct hormonal therapy and targeted therapy with government insurance coverage for trastuzumab...