ABSTRACT
The elderly person diagnosed with cancer must deal with many changes in psychological and social functioning along with the physical health problems. The social support system, which is believed to buffer the stress of illness for patients of all ages,1-3 is a critical factor for the aged, as they simultaneously experience increased need for and decreased availability of such support.4 The aging process can be accompanied by retirement, financial worries, changes in living arrangements, and bereavement in response to loss of spouse, other family members, or friends. All of these changes or losses pose threats to the patient’s social support system.
