One of the more heart-warming and interesting subjects I've tackled this year on the blog: Roger Ebert's ongoing health battle that has robbed him and us -- for the time being -- of his voice, but not his intellect, his wit and his incredible insights about the world of cinema.

If anything, one could very easily argue that fighting and surviving cancer has made Roger more prolific, energetic and ALIVE than ever, especially with a new movie review show entitled Roger Ebert Presents At The Movies debuting on PBS early next year.

Unfortunately, that resolve to cope with the physical and emotional pain associated with cancer may be much harder for younger patients at age 40 and under, as compared to folks in their Baby Boomer years, according to a six-month study that surveyed nearly 100 Michigan patients dealing with stage III or IV lung, prostate, breast and colorectal cancer as well as stage II-IV multiple myeloma.

Even though the under 40s group had better odds of survival, younger cancer patients had more problems coping with pain and emotional functioning (thinking logically and quickly) after their diagnosis than their older peers. In two measures -- pain location and mood -- younger patients experienced nearly twice the discomfort than did older patients.

One important caveat worth considering: Of the 96 patients participating in the study at its outset and the three-month mark, only eight were age 40 or younger. It's also worth noting, however, even though this group of patients as a whole didn't look different emotionally or mentally at the time of their diagnosis, problems with depression and cognitive function worsened for younger patients by the end of the study.

Perhaps, with age comes better coping skills and emotional stamina...

Pain Medicine, Vol. 11, No. 10, p. 1525-1536, October 2010 Free Full Text Study

healthfinder.gov November 12, 2010

PhysOrg.com November 9, 2010

The Beacon-News November 7, 2010