Early Palliative Care for the Geriatric Patient with Cancer

Abstract

Older adults with cancer present with complex multidimensional problems. Therefore, early integration of palliative care for the older adult with cancer is important, and a multidisciplinary team approach is critical for optimum care. The importance of incorporating geriatric and palliative concerns in assessment, as well as early involvement of the multidisciplinary team, is discussed as a manner of addressing the needs of older adults with cancer. Concerns related to metabolic changes that can occur with aging, as well as risk for polypharmacy and inappropriate prescribing for older adults, are also reviewed.

Keywords: Early palliative care; Geriatric cancer; Symptom management.