Survivorship Care of Older Adults With Cancer: Priority Areas for Clinical Practice, Training, Research, and Policy

Abstract

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New directions in cancer and aging: State of the science and recommendations to improve the quality of evidence on the intersection of aging with cancer control

“…70 With an overburdened oncology workforce and the rapid growth of the aging population with complex care needs, there is a critical need to develop risk-stratified survivorship care that is aligned to the needs of individual patients and, in the case of older adults, that should consider life expectancy, functional status, comorbidities, and polypharmacy. 71 Geriatric assessments provide a comprehensive understanding of physical function, cognition, nutrition, comorbid conditions, psychological status, and social support. 5 Guidelines recommend geriatric assessments for all patients aged 65 years and older diagnosed with cancer who are starting chemotherapy.…”

“…However, only one‐third of community oncology practices report having access to a geriatrician for consult, and only 5% have access within the oncology clinic 73 . Future research needs to comprehensively assess the functioning of older adults with cancer, identify their supportive care and social support needs, assess their capability for managing and accessing care, and characterize the involvement and needs of caregivers to facilitate the delivery of high‐quality survivorship care to older adults with cancer 71 …”

Inequities Among Cancer Caregivers with Diverse Identities: A Review of the Literature and Future Directions

“…As a result of changes in how cancer care is delivered, certain care needs of older cancer survivors have emerged. [5] Caregivers (i.e., informal/unpaid people who provide care to a friend or family member) of older adults with cancer are increasingly relied upon for complex, intense, and ongoing care, which has contributed to increased caregivingrelated burden. [6] Caregivers help with tasks across the cancer care continuum, which can include long-term management of cancer treatment side effects, symptoms, and adherence; logistical support coordinating services, care, and transportation; clinical treatment decision-making [7] and daily life support through assisting with mobility, nutrition, and hygiene.…”

Health system and patient-level factors associated with multidisciplinary care and patient education among hospitalized, older cancer survivors

“…Multidisciplinary care can play an important role in the management of older cancer survivors. Multidisciplinary care is an innovative model of care coordination that aims to shift the burden of short- and long-term survivorship care delivery from the oncologist to a multidisciplinary care team [ 3 ]. It leverages the concurrent input of more than one care healthcare discipline (e.g., physicians, nurses, rehabilitation professionals, social work, and other supportive care services) in the delivery of treatment and care planning [ 4 ].…”