Geriatric oncology in Australia

In Australia, most specialist healthcare is delivered in the public sector, although private healthcare services also provide a substantial proportion of cancer care. Larger public hospitals typically have well developed oncology and geriatric medicine services, however, there are variations in the health services available in regional and rural areas, with substantial complexities in delivering cancer care in remote regions. The majority of surveyed Australian medical oncologists value geriatric assessment and geriatrician review, although access to this remains a barrier and it is not routinely incorporated into cancer care for older people. However, Geriatric Oncology Services are increasing across Australia, with varying models of care implemented (geriatrician consultation, dual trained specialists, and nurse led geriatric assessment). However, there remains room to greatly expand such services. Further research and health economic data is required to facilitate this. The Geriatric Oncology Special Interest Group of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia has been working to promote Geriatric Oncology nationally. Activities include: a submission to the Australian Cancer Plan 2023-2033, advocating for “integration of geriatric assessment and management into cancer care”; educational Webinars in collaboration with the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia; international webinars on Ageism in cancer care; developing Australian Geriatric Oncology Guidelines; and advocating for and contributing to Geriatric Oncology sessions at the National conference. Increasing interest in this area from newly qualified oncologists and geriatricians is very promising for the future of Geriatric Oncology in Australia.