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A examine revealed within the Journal of Geriatric Oncology highlights a major hole within the care of older adults with breast most cancers: Whereas many face age-related dangers that would complicate remedy, a majority decline supportive providers even when these dangers are recognized.
The examine, titled “Preliminary experience supporting older adults with breast cancer: Successes, challenges, and next steps for a program embedded in a breast oncology center,” evaluated the usage of geriatric assessments and referrals amongst breast most cancers sufferers aged 70 and older at a serious most cancers heart from 2022 to 2024. Researchers discovered that whereas assessments efficiently flagged points like latest falls, prior hospitalizations, and the necessity for extra assist, solely 60% of sufferers who have been referred to geriatric or supportive providers really accepted them.
“We’re identifying patients who are clearly at higher risk for complications from cancer treatment,” mentioned Tammy Hshieh, MD, MPH, assistant scientist on the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Growing old Analysis. “But even when the data shows they would benefit from support, many patients are hesitant to accept help. That disconnect is something the oncology field needs to address.”
Of 362 sufferers approached, simply 108 accomplished a geriatric evaluation. Solely 60% of sufferers who accomplished the evaluation agreed to a minimum of one referral—sometimes geriatrics (67%) or social work (36%)—although 30% had been hospitalized within the prior 12 months, and 19% had skilled a latest fall.
The examine was carried out inside the Program for Older Adults with Breast Most cancers (OABC), a part of the Breast Oncology Clinic on the Dana-Farber Most cancers Institute. Researchers embedded the geriatric evaluation into routine care. Sufferers who accomplished the evaluation have been provided referrals to related providers based mostly on their responses, similar to fall prevention, vitamin, and psychological well being assist.
“Awareness and engagement remain major barriers,” Hshieh added. “Even with dedicated staff explaining the value of supportive care, some patients still associate referrals with weakness or unnecessary intervention. We have work to do in normalizing geriatric and supportive care as a standard part of cancer treatment—especially for older adults.”
The findings reinforce nationwide suggestions that decision for routine geriatric evaluation in most cancers care, particularly for older sufferers who might have complicated well being profiles that do not align with typical remedy pathways. Regardless of robust medical proof displaying that supportive providers enhance outcomes, uptake stays restricted in busy oncology settings.
Researchers say the subsequent steps embody increasing outreach to enhance understanding of the geriatric evaluation’s objective, monitoring long-term outcomes, and figuring out methods to extend acceptance of assist providers amongst high-risk older adults.
Extra info:
Madeleine Ling et al, Preliminary expertise supporting older adults with breast most cancers: Successes, challenges, and subsequent steps for a program embedded in a breast oncology heart, Journal of Geriatric Oncology (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102243
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Hebrew SeniorLife Institute for Growing old Analysis
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Research finds gaps in assist service use amongst older breast most cancers sufferers (2025, September 4)
retrieved 5 September 2025
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