Health · Medical Research · 7 hrs ago
Ageing is cancer’s leading risk factor, and care for older adults is limited
Ageing is the leading risk factor for cancer, and cancer is common among older adults.
As Canada’s population ages, the need to provide suitable cancer care for older people is growing.
International guidelines recommend that older adults receive a geriatric assessment before deciding on cancer treatment.
A geriatrician can help patients and cancer doctors consider how treatment may affect daily function, thinking and other health conditions, as well as what matters most to the patient.
Canada has only a handful of specialised geriatric oncology clinics, and this kind of care is not routine.
One study found that these clinics saved about $7,000 per older patient, while British Columbia currently has no specialised services for older adults with cancer.
Researchers there have spoken with more than 100 people in the cancer community to understand the need for such services and how they could help.
Ageing is the leading risk factor for cancer, but specialised care for older adults with cancer remains limited.
International guidelines, including those from the American Society of Clinical Oncology, recommend geriatric assessment before treatment decisions for older adults.
Canada has only a handful of specialised geriatric oncology clinics, and British Columbia has none.
A study led by Shabbir Alibhai found these clinics saved about $7,000 per older adult seen.
Researchers in British Columbia have spoken with more than 100 members of the cancer community about whether specialised services are needed and how they could help.
- Who
- Older adults with cancer and the researchers and clinicians studying their care.
- What
- The article says ageing is cancer’s leading risk factor and specialised geriatric oncology care is limited.
- When
- The article was published on 2026-10-12. Researchers in British Columbia have worked on the issue over the last five years.
- Where
- Canada, including British Columbia, Montréal and Toronto.
- Why
- Older adults are a growing population, and cancer is common among them. Geriatric assessment can help inform treatment decisions around patients’ needs and wishes.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Kristen Haase and colleagues have worked to understand whether specialised cancer services are needed for older adults in British Columbia.
Approximately 29 per cent of Canadians are projected to be over age 65.
- Projected share of Canadians over 65 by 2068
- Approximately 29 per cent
- Specialised clinics in British Columbia
- None
- Older adult cancer clinics in Canada
- A handful
- Cost savings per older adult seen
- Approximately $7,000
- British Columbia cancer community consulted
- More than 100 members
What people are saying
not great
Sources
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