Stigmatizing language in caring for older adults with cancer: Common patterns of use and mechanisms to change the culture.

In this literature-based perspectives piece, the patterns of stigmatizing language are described, specifically as they pertain to older patients with cancer. The avoidance of stigmatizing language is critical for equitable care of our older patients; the usage of stigmatizing language can create a greater divide between patients and physicians, as well as serve to transmit bias from one clinician to another. This is especially important with the increase in patient and caregiver accessibility of electronic health records (EHR).