Schonberg Index — 9-year Mortality in Older Adults
Predicts 9-year all-cause mortality in community-dwelling adults ≥65 (Schonberg 2009). Used to inform cancer-screening and intensive-treatment decisions in older adults. Sums 12 weighted variables.
Score interpretation
→ Continue routine cancer screening and preventive care per population guidelines. Long-life-expectancy decision-making applies.
→ Individualise cancer screening; balance benefit vs burden. Continue most preventive measures but discuss risk-benefit with patient.
→ Reduce non-essential preventive/screening burden (e.g. mammography, colonoscopy of unclear benefit if life-expectancy <5 y). Goals-of-care conversation. Consider palliative-care input.
→ Stop cancer screening (lead-time exceeds expected survival). Focus on symptom-directed and palliative care. Advance care planning.
Interpretation bands for the Schonberg. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Falls Assessment in Older Adults · NICE CG161 2013
- Delirium Outside ICU · NICE CG103
- Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) · BGS / NICE
- Delirium Assessment and Management · NICE CG103 2010
- Frailty Recognition and Management · BGS Frailty Framework / NHS NHSE
- Polypharmacy and Medicines Optimisation · STOPP/START v2 2014 / NICE NG5
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.