Report finds aging U.S. faces crisis in cancer care

WASHINGTON — A new report says the United States is facing a crisis in cancer care in a time of aging baby boomers, complex new treatments and rising costs.

Scientists know more than ever about how to battle cancer, with innovative treatments to target tumors. Yet the Institute of Medicine says too often, treatment choices aren’t based on good evidence, and ensuring quality may get more difficult.

Older adults account for most of the 1.6 million new cases of cancer each year, a number growing as the population ages. The report found it’s hard for doctors to keep up with new and costly therapies.

It recommends more patient involvement in choosing care, tools to help doctors speed the latest knowledge into practice and more research into the best ways to treat seniors.