South Korean medical experts highlight geriatric care and blood cancer risks

Medical professionals in South Korea are highlighting the complexities of geriatric care and the importance of early diagnosis for age-related diseases. A hospitalist's account details the challenges faced by elderly caregivers, noting that an 85-year-old patient's wife, also in her 80s with chronic conditions, faced difficulty managing her own medication during her husband's prolonged hospitalization. This underscores the need for medical systems to consider the health and well-being of caregivers alongside patients.

Separately, experts are warning about multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that primarily affects those aged 60 and older. Often misdiagnosed as simple aging or degenerative disease, its key symptoms—referred to as ‘CRAB’ (hypercalcemia, renal insufficiency, anemia, and bone lesions)—include unexplained back pain, fatigue, and kidney issues. While many cases are discovered late, advancements in treatment have increased the five-year relative survival rate to over 50%. Medical professionals recommend blood tests and bone marrow biopsies for those experiencing persistent bone pain or anemia.