IMPACT OF THE ONCOLOGICAL DISEASE ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG THE ELDERLY

Abstract

Oncological diseases are a large group of social significant diseases. They can occur in any organ or
tissue of the human body. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world. Estimates are that in 2040 the
number of deaths will increase significantly with the greatest increase occurring in low- and middle-income
countries where more than two-thirds of concentrated. Cancer accounts for about 30% of all premature deaths from
chronic non-communicable diseases in adults aged 30-69. The growth of the epidemic of chronic non-communicable
diseases, including oncology, has a negative impact on quality of life. Cancer mortality is a function of morbidity
and survival. Worse access to health care in countries with low human development index (HDI) reflects on greater
mortality and vice versa – mortality reduction is greater in countries with a high HDI. A large part of countries with
low and middles incomes of the population started to pay attention to this health problem later. The incidence of
oncological diseases in Bulgaria is lower compared to other countries of South-Eastern Europe but the trends in
individual locations are similar. The mortality: morbidity ratio is one of the lowest in the region with a persistent
downward trend and is lower than the probability of death for individual locations. Lung cancer is the most common
in men and breast cancer in women. Adult survivors are at greater risk of complications from the disease and
therapy. It is no coincidence that they report poor health already during or after therapy and this accordingly affects
their quality of life. Early diagnosis is the best alternative for many oncological diseases that cannot be prevented
and those that occur despite preventive measures. Pain in cancer patients regardless of whether it is caused by the
disease itself or by the side effects of the applied therapy is a problem that significantly worsens the quality of life.
In a global aspect, it is of particular importance to emphasize the control, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and
monitoring of these patients. The approach to oncological diseases is much more complex compared to other
diseases. A multidisciplinary approach is needed. The multidisciplinary teams include surgeons, pathologists,
radiation therapists, medical oncologists and clinical psychologists. It is necessary to include rehabilitators,
occupational therapists, art therapists. It is not by chance that the National Program for the Prevention of Chronic
Non-Communicable Diseases sets the strategic goal of improving the health of the population and increasing the
quality of life.