The role of the health professional in chemotherapy treatment in elderly patients

Abstract

Cancer in the elderly is not just worrying because it is cancer, when there is the development of cancer at an advanced age, other factors end up being taken into account, so that everything is a risk. The objective of the study is to evaluate the role of the health professional in the chemotherapy treatment of elderly patients. The methodology used was the bibliographic review, evaluating texts related to the present subject. In the elderly, the art of persuasion is essential, considering that, often, the elderly, upon discovering that they have cancer, end up refusing to undergo treatment because they think it is not worth it, since they have lived for a long time. So health professionals such as nurses, doctors, pharmacists, psychologists and among other professionals who should try to influence the change of patient opinion in addition to being prepared to support everyone around. The nurse, being the professional with the longest contact time with the patient, must be attentive to every detail, since several complications, due to age, can be recurrent. During chemotherapy, the already fragile health of the elderly tends to get worse, making the entire recovery process difficult. Thus, it is concluded that the health professional is fundamental as a base of support and care for the elderly who develop cancer and undergo chemotherapy.