Older Adults & Cancer Webinar

By 2035 over half of all cancers diagnosed will be in people over 75. There is a plethora of evidence which shows that older people are more likely to have one or more of the following challenges: co-morbidities, polypharmacy, added social support needs, poor nutritional status, a risk of falls and mental health concerns.

However, in oncology, despite the over 65’s accounting for the largest amount of patients, and more likely to have additional problems, it is acknowledged that there is a paucity of research looking at how systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) affects the elderly, and specifically comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in oncology clinics, where decisions regarding SACT and fitness for treatment are made.

This Macmillan funded 2-year project specifically looked at frailty in the over 65’s and whether CGA and increased support in this population, could reduce the amount of toxicities, reduce admissions and increase quality of life.

We welcome Rachel Bryce & Hannah Lakeman from University Hospitals Plymouth who are delighted to be able to now share the results this work