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Review
. 2024 Jun 30;31(7):3783-3797.
doi: 10.3390/curroncol31070279.

Improving Care for Older Adults with Cancer in Canada: A Call to Action

Sarah Cook  1 , Shabbir Alibhai  2 , Rajin Mehta  3 , Marie-France Savard  4 , Caroline Mariano  5 , Dominique LeBlanc  6 , Danielle Desautels  7 , Rossanna Pezo  3 , Xiaofu Zhu  8 , Karen A Gelmon  5 , Tina Hsu  4
Affiliations
Review

Improving Care for Older Adults with Cancer in Canada: A Call to Action

Sarah Cook et al. Curr Oncol. .

Abstract

Most patients diagnosed with and dying from cancer in Canada are older adults, with aging contributing to the large projected growth in cancer incidence. Older adults with cancer have unique needs, and on a global scale increasing efforts have been made to address recognized gaps in their cancer care. However, in Canada, geriatric oncology remains a new and developing field. There is increasing recognition of the value of geriatric oncology and there is a growing number of healthcare providers interested in developing the field. While there is an increasing number of dedicated programs in geriatric oncology, they remain limited overall. Developing novel methods to delivery geriatric care in the oncology setting and improving visibility is important. Formal incorporation of a geriatric oncology curriculum into training is critical to both improve knowledge and demonstrate its value to healthcare providers. Although a robust group of dedicated researchers exist, increased collaboration is needed to capitalize on existing expertise. Dedicated funding is critical to promoting clinical programs, research, and training new clinicians and leaders in the field. By addressing challenges and capitalizing on opportunities for improvement, Canada can better meet the unique needs of its aging population with cancer and ultimately improve their outcomes.

Keywords: cancer; geriatric assessment; geriatric oncology; older adults; systemic therapy; toxicity.

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Conflict of interest statement

None of the authors have any relationship, financial or otherwise, which influenced the content of this review article. Some authors have advisory relationships with private companies which are described below. These did not impact or contribute in any way to the manuscript. Sarah Cook: None; Shabbir Alibhai: none; Rajin Mehta: none; Marie-France Savard: advisory roles for AstraZeneca, Lilly, Seagen, Roche, Gilead, Novartis, Knight, and Merck; Caroline Mariano: none; Dominique LeBlanc: consultation/advisory roles for AstraZeneca and Novartis and consultation/advisory/speaker roles for Pfizer; Danielle Desautels: consultation/advisory roles for Astrazeneca, Merck, Gilead, Pfizer, and Novartis and speaker fees for Amgen; Xiaofu Zhu: advisory roles for Pfizer, Novartis, Lilly, AstraZeneca, Genomic Health, Apobiologix, Merck, Leo Pharma, Amgen, Taiho Pharma, and Roche and educational support from Taiho Pharma and Novartis; Rossanna Pezo: advisory roles for Pfizer, Novartis, and Lilly; Karen A Gelmon: consultation/advisory roles for AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Novartis, Seagen, Merck, Lilly, Gilead, Celcuity, and City of Hope; Tina Hsu: advisory roles for Pfizer, Knight Therapeutics, Eisai, Ipsen, Mylan, and Apobiologix.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Summary of the inequities in cancer care of older adults in Canada. ACP = advanced care planning, EoL = end of life, and GO = geriatric oncology.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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