Global Action and Policies in Older Adults with Cancer and Frailty

Abstract

As cancer incidence increases with age, this is predicted to be translated in a worldwide cancer epidemic in the decades to come, and it will affect low-, middle- and high-income countries alike. The incidence of frailty increases alongside ageing and in light of these demographic changes, governments and other coordinated bodies are preparing for this reality. However, with a few exceptions, cancer in older patients still remains a low priority, particularly in those with frailty. Some countries have effective health service delivery models, yet the majority have difficulty implementing such models in this setting. In many contexts, this is linked to the lack of enabling environments due to limited training and education in this field. Geriatricians and oncologists are not in adequate numbers and nurses are often not trained for geriatric specific issues. In addition, most of the health care professionals with expertise in older cancer patients with frailty are concentrated in urban areas and there is a significant access gap. This chapter will provide an overview of the global actions and policies in this field, as well as the efforts of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) in coordinating actions through education, training and advocacy for older cancer adults with frailty.