Older persons are appropriate targets for a range of prevention and early detection interventions, however, greater emphasis should be given to structuring the delivery of prevention and detection services to the special needs of this population. This may require research and program development to reach older persons in the most effective and cost-effective manner. The American Cancer Society and other program efforts must accommodate the heterogeneity and special needs of segments of the older population. Racial and cultural minorities, impoverished persons, the cognitively impaired, and the physically impaired are four groups requiring special attention. Early detection guidelines specific to older persons should be developed. Cancer 682530-2533,1991.
REVENTION AND EARLY DETECTION are important P strategies for cancer control in any age group. Older adults represent a large and growing population at high risk for cancer who often are highly motivated to participate in risk reduction and early detection strategies. To achieve the greatest effect in this area, several important issues must be addressed as they apply specifically to older persons: primary prevention measures, screening guide-