In this recently published study titled "Survival benefit from evidence-based treatment for rectal cancer among older people – Analysis of SEER-Medicare", Drs. Uma Phatak and her coauthors highlighted the low rate of adherence to evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer among the elderly.  The findings of this study show that even elderly patients with no comorbidities have a low rate of completion of all three therapies. Though the treatment paradigm has now switched to providing all radiation and chemotherapy prior to operation, these results still demonstrate the age disparity in treatment of rectal cancer and the importance of looking beyond age in treatment discussions.