When an elderly individual is diagnosed with cancer, families often find themselves in a difficult position. The fear in individuals from aggressive treatment, surgical risks and a long recovery period makes many hesitant to proceed even in the cases where the cancer begins in the early stages. Understandably, the idea of putting an elderly patient through such a physically and emotionally demanding experience can feel overwhelming. However, in modern medicine, age alone should not be the deciding factor when making cancer treatment decisions. Chronological Age vs. Biological AgeDr. Karthik K. Prasad, Lead Consultant, Surgical Oncologist at Sparsh Hospital, Yeshwanthpur, draws a clear distinction between chronological and biological age. “Chronological age can be defined as the number of years the person has lived. Whereas the biological age, on the other hand, is all about how well the body is functioning,” he says. Biological age, he adds, is influenced by several factors, including lifestyle, mental health, environmental exposures and genetics.He notes that many individuals in their 70s and 80s lead active, healthy lives and are very much capable of recovering from surgery. “Those patients who are young and suffering from many medical problems may also struggle with the same treatment,” he points out, reinforcing that functionality matters more than the age listed on paper.Fitness and Functionality Matter“In the world of modern oncology, medical decisions are mainly guided by the performance status of patients,” says Dr. Prasad. This performance status is a clinical evaluation of how independently a person can carry out daily physical activities.“If the patient has good organ function, then they are very much suitable candidates for the surgery or any other form of medical treatment,” he adds. He also emphasises the importance of early treatment. “Early-stage cancer is very curable, especially in a fit elderly patient,” he states. “Avoiding the treatment and delayingthe treatment can also lead to progression and limit the future treatment options as well.”Preparation and RecoveryCancer surgeries in older adults are seldom urgent, Dr. Prasad explains, which allows ample time for proper preparation. “This also provides enough time to prepare the patient by providing them with an adequate amount of nutrition and offering the psychological support as well.”While recovery may be slower for older patients, it is usually very possible with the right care. “With the proper care, such as physiotherapy, good nutrition, and emotional support, through which most of the people recover well,” he says. However, he cautions that success lies in meticulous planning. “The key element of the same lies in the pre- and post-operative planning of surgery.”Changing the NarrativeDr. Prasad believes that it’s time to break the stereotype that older patients are too fragile for treatment. “It is also true that age sometimes brings the added considerations, but it should not disqualify someone from getting a life-saving treatment,” he says.He urges families and practitioners to move away from age-based decision-making. “Every decision regarding the medical treatment should be individualised by considering the overall health of the patient, not just only their age.” His message is clear and strong: “In today’s medical world we should only treat people, not their age numbers.”For Dr. Prasad, both healthy and elderly patients with early-stage cancer “deserve the equal opportunity for getting a cure”. Age, he stresses, “should not stand as the factor in the way of effective treatment and proper assessment; preparation should be adopted.”