Cancer screening in older adults

Adults aged 65 and older represent an increasingly important segment of the US population. Cancer is an important cause of death in this group. Screening for cancer can significantly reduce cancer incidence and mortality. In this review I address screening for breast, cervical, prostate, lung, colorectal, and ovarian cancer in older Americans. Decisions about screening for cancer must consider the effects of screening, diagnostic evaluations, and treatments on the quality of life of each person.