Cited by 1,146Global Cancer Incidence and ScreeningCancer survivorship and careFrailty in Older Adults

Anticipating the “Silver Tsunami”: Prevalence Trajectories and Co-Morbidity Burden among Older Cancer Survivors in the United States

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Bluethmann, Shirley M., Mariotto, Angela B., Rowland, Julia H.·2016·Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention

Abstract

Background: Cancer survivors are a growing population, due in large part to the aging of the baby boomer generation and the related “silver tsunami” facing the U.S. health care system. Understanding the impact of a graying nation on cancer prevalence and comorbidity burden is critical in informing efforts to design and implement quality cancer care for this population. Methods: Incidence and survival data from 1975 to 2011 were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program to estimate current cancer prevalence. SEER-Medicare claims data were used to estimate comorbidity burden. Prevalence projections were made using U.S. Census Bureau data and the Prevalence Incidence Approach Model, assuming constant future incidence and survival trends but dynamic projections of the U.S. population. Results: In 2016, there were an estimated 15.5 million cancer survivors living in the United States, 62% of whom were 65 years or older. The prevalent population is projected to grow to 26.1 million by 2040, and include 73% of survivors who are 65 years and older. Comorbidity burden was highest in the oldest survivors (those ≥85 years) and worst among lung cancer survivors. Conclusions: Older adults, who often present with complex health needs, now constitute the majority of cancer survivors and will continue to dominate the survivor population over the next 24 years. Impact: The oldest adults (i.e., those >75 years) should be priority populations in a pressing cancer control and prevention research agenda that includes expanding criteria for clinical trials to recruit more elderly participants and developing relevant supportive care interventions. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(7); 1029–36. ©2016 AACR. See interview with Shirley M. Bluethmann, PhD, recipient of the 2022 CEBP Frederick P. Li Impact Award: https://vimeo.com/720725164

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  1. [21]Mariotto AB Yabroff KR Shao Y Feuer EJ Brown ML Projections of the cost of cancer care in the united states: 2010–2020 J Natl Cancer Inst 2011 1 19 103 117 128 21228314 PMC3107566

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Authors
Bluethmann, S. M., Mariotto, A. B., & Rowland, J. H.
Affiliations
  • National Institutes of Health (US)
  • National Cancer Institute (US)
Corresponding author
Bluethmann, Shirley M.
Venue
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention
Published
2016-07-01
Volume
25
Issue
7
Pages
1029-1036
ISSN
  • 1055-9965 (ISSN-L)
  • 1538-7755
OpenAlex
W2468004496
Cited by
1,146
References
50
Citations by year
2026: 58 · 2025: 89 · 2024: 94 · 2023: 156 · 2022: 99 · 2021: 148 · 2020: 209 · 2019: 126 · 2018: 106 · 2017: 51 · 2016: 8 · 2015: 1
FWCI
52.32
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institutes of Health (Z99 CA999999)
  • National Cancer Institute
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Global Cancer Incidence and Screening
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Cancer survivorship and care
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Geriatrics and Gerontology › Frailty in Older Adults
Keywords
cancer survivors, older adults, silver tsunami, comorbidity burden, population aging, lung cancer survivors, oldest old, cancer survivorship
MeSH terms
Cancer Survivors, Age Factors, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Female, Humans, Male, Neoplasms, Population Surveillance, Risk, United States, Comorbidity, Incidence, Prevalence, Age Distribution, Sex Distribution, Survivors, SEER Program

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