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DiscussionOlder than most in the MM group. 79 yrs and recently diagnosed.
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Mar 20 5:34pm | Replies (18)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "Age is a number. I wish doctors would not look at age as a factor in..."
Age IS a factor in medical care, frequently an important one. I am 73, also recently diagnosed with high-risk MGUS / SMM. For just one example, a stem-cell transplant may well be in my future, and my age at the time will definitely be a factor. Still, as any competent practitioner will realize, it is not the ONLY factor. Cytogenic phenotypes, overall health, stage and progression of disease, comorbidities and much more factor in as well. This is a complex condition, the research on which is advancing rapidly (or at least was, until certain recent events). So, while it may not be determinative in itself, your age is absolutely one factor in deciding whether "certain treatments . . . will help you". Not considering it would be medical malpractice.