Cancer Prevention in the Older Individual.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the current information about primary and secondary cancer prevention measures in older individuals.

DATA SOURCES: Literature review of evidence-based resources on aging and cancer prevention.

CONCLUSION: Aging is a risk factor for the development of malignancy. Older tissues are particularly prone to the action of environmental carcinogens; primary prevention of cancer through the adoption of healthy lifestyles and the appropriate implementation of secondary cancer prevention measures could potentially reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with malignancy.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Geriatric evaluation can identify patients that will benefit from cancer prevention. Patients and families need education and support so they can make good decisions about when to implement primary and secondary cancer prevention measures.