Journal of the National Cancer Institute
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J. Natl. Cancer Inst. · Jan 2008
Absence of cancer diagnosis and treatment in elderly Medicaid-insured nursing home residents.
Little is known about the effect cancer has on the lives of nursing home patients and the quality of care, including palliative care, delivered to them. ⋯ Very few cancer services are provided to Medicaid-insured nursing home patients, despite the fact that many of these patients likely experienced cancer-related symptoms and marked physical decline before diagnosis and death. A middle ground between what would be considered guideline treatment practices and the apparent absence of diagnosis and treatment is needed.