Preferences for surrogate designation and decision-making process in older versus younger adults with cancer: A comparative cross-sectional study

Abstract Objective To compare the preferences of older (≥70 years old) versus younger ( Methods A cross-sectional survey. Patient characteristics and information about surrogacy and involvement in decision making were collected. Associations between patient characteristics and preferences were examined. Results The study included 130 patients aged ≥70 years (mean age 80 years) and 102 patients aged per year  = 1.04[95% confidence interval 1.00–1.08]), not living alone (aOR = 2.52[1.00–6.36]), and having children (aOR = 4.49[1.13–17.81]). Conclusion All cancer patients, wanted to be fully informed and 72% wanted to be involved in medical decisions. Preferences for decision control vary between age groups, depending on family members’ presence and living alone. Practice implications Sharing complete and clear information should be an important key in the process of cancer patients’ care, regardless of patient age.