A recent study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, has revealed that a large number of elderly people, above the age of 75, are seeking cancer screening. However, as per the US Preventive Services Task Force’s guidelines, elderly people are not required to be screened on a regular basis.

The study was conducted by the researchers of University of Connecticut. During the study, it was found that about 1,697 elders got themselves screened for various types of cancer. About 57% of the people were enrolled for colorectal cancer, 62% for breast cancer and 56% for prostate cancer.

It has also been highlighted that elders above the age of 80 were not routinely screened for cancer. Only 38% of elders above the age of 80 were asked to go for screening. The lead researcher Bellizzi concluded the study by saying, “What we found, generally, was that a high percentage of older adults are continuing to undergo cancer screening, despite ambiguity regarding recommendation. We even see those rates as relatively high in adults 80 years or older”.

During the study, it was found that elderly people were recommended screening as they had medical complications. Moreover, educational level of elders also played essential role in recommendations related to cancer screening.

The aim of the study was to gauge factors that should be kept in mind while recommending cancer screening to patients. A physician has to take care of the point whether or not the person, whom he is recommending screening, should be prescribed screening. The findings of the study clearly show that a large number of physicians are still confused about screening guidelines as the US Preventive Services Task Force clearly indicates that elderly people should not be asked to go for regular screening.