Special Populations Clinical Resource Areas
Cancer occurs predominantly in older adults. In fact, 60% of all cancers occur in individuals over 65 years of age. Because age is one of the most important risk factors for cancer, the clinical areas of oncology and gerontology overlap significantly.
The National Cancer Institute defines health disparities as differences in the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and burden of cancer and related adverse health conditions that exist among specific population groups in the United States which may be characterized by gender, age, ethnicity, education, income, social class, disability, geographic location, or sexual orientation. As nurses we care for patients from diverse backgrounds. It is important to understand and provide care that is sensitive to these virtues.