Evaluation of the effectiveness of psychological support in the elderly with advanced cancer

Background: Although the incidence of cancers has increased over the past few decades, the number of deaths has decreased as the level of prevention and treatment increases. With aging, advanced levels of cancers can be associated with adverse effects such as reduced life expectancy, decreased quality of life, poor social support, Anxiety, Fear of Death and depression disorders. thus the purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which psychosocial support can affect the status of older people with advanced cancer.Method: An electronic search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science and Embase databases by keywords including "psychological support", "advanced cancer" and "elderly".7 articles that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study without any restriction.Finding: Studies show that the treatment process in elderly with advanced cancer is severely affected by the psychological well-being of these individuals and may impair the patient's physical, mental, social and spiritual balance.With comprehensive psychological support, these can be controlled and also can reduce rates of mental disorders such as suicide and lack of social interaction and isolation. On the other hand, studies show that the elderly who have psychosocial support are best able to cope with end-of-life anxiety and be more committed and motivated to the treatment process.Conclusion: Establishing appropriate interpersonal relationships for the elderly with advanced cancer through families, which are one of the most supportive sources, can have a special impact on the adaptive capacity of these patients. By trying to empower patients and their caregivers to discuss their feelings about the social consequences of cancer, it is possible to provide comprehensive psychological support to older people with advanced cancer.

کلیدواژه ها:

psychological support ، advanced cancer and elderly