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To assess whether age has an impact on symptoms, problems and needs of hospitalized advanced cancer patients.

A prospective analysis of 181 patients referred to a Palliative Care Team was done using a standardized list of symptoms, problems and needs. Differences between 3 age groups (<60; 60–70; ≥70) were analyzed.

Patients ≥70 years had a significantly different prevalence of depressed mood (48% versus 13% of patients 60–70 years and 24% of patients <60 years, p=0.002), urinary tract problems (20% versus 3% versus 8%, p=0.024) and drowsiness (18% versus 42% versus 25%, p=0.039). They expressed more problems with a shortage of informal caregivers (45% versus 42% versus 17%, p<0.001) and less need for support in coping (40% versus 61% versus 63%, p=0.043), relational support (3% versus 8% versus 14%, p=0.019) and support …