Educational initiatives in geriatric oncology - Who, why, and how?

Abstract

The population is aging accounting for a large increase in anticipated cancer cases. Specialty training for trainees interested in geriatric oncology have been established in many countries and is growing globally. However, the number of clinicians with a particular interest in geriatric oncology and who complete training in both specialties is low. There are insufficient geriatric oncologists and geriatricians to address the unique needs of this population of patients. The majority of older adults with cancer are, and will continue to be, treated by oncologists. Currently clinicians caring for patients with cancer receive little to no formal training in caring for older adults, resulting in gaps in knowledge as well as a lack of confidence when treating older adults with cancers. Key strategies to accelerate the uptake and impact of educational initiatives to address this gap include the use of effective educational strategies, broad dissemination of educational material that is freely available, and the integration of geriatric oncology topics into teaching, curriculum, assessments and exams.