Integration of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) and management into oncological care improves outcomes for older people with cancer, in particular, reducing chemotherapy toxicity, whilst improving treatment completion rates and quality of life measures. Geriatric Oncology models of care vary with health system structures and resources, however, a variety of different models have been demonstrated to be of benefit. Geriatricians are experts in CGA. They can contribute to cancer care through: providing information about health status, remaining life expectancy, and toxicity risks; managing geriatric syndromes in coexistence with or exacerbated by cancer and associated treatment; and assisting with eliciting and contextualise patient preferences, thus supporting shared decision making and advanced care planning.
Local data from a Geriatric Oncology Clinic demonstrates high rates of new diagnoses (34%), medication changes (24%), advance care planning discussions (24%) and linking into allied health services (79%). These rates suggests broadened access to geriatric assessment and multidisciplinary care is likely to be of benefit. Integration of geriatric assessment and management along the cancer care continuum is required to achieve person-centred and evidence-based care for the large proportion of Australians with cancer who are older.