What Role Do Comorbidities Play in Cancer Treatment?
Comorbiditiesâor the presence of additional diseases or conditionsâare common in cancer patients, especially in older adults. These comorbidities can influence the choice of cancer treatment and its effectiveness. For instance, a patient with severe heart disease may not be able to tolerate certain types of chemotherapy. In such cases, the oncologist must weigh the benefits of the cancer treatment against the risks posed by the comorbid conditions.