The nutritional needs of older cancer survivors

Abstract

Over the last 20 years, the number of cancer survivors in the United States has more than doubled, with approximately 17 million cancer survivors today [1]. Moreover, nearly two-thirds of cancer survivors (64%) are 65 years or older [2]. Current projections show steady incidence rates, and cancers such as breast cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, and prostate cancer have 5-year survival rates greater than 89% [2]. Herein, we define cancer survivorship as starting at a diagnosis of cancer and following the person through treatment (if any) and the rest of their life [3].

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