Management of Elderly Cancer Patients: the Singapore Perspective

Abstract

Cancer is the most common cause of death amongst Singaporeans. One in 3 Singaporeans die from cancer. With an increasingly aging population, the numbers of cancer patient have correspondingly been on the rise. More than 60% of all cancer patients in Singapore are more than 65 years old. In light of this, we at the National Cancer Centre Singapore started the country's first geriatric oncology service in 2007. This included using a comprehensive geriatric assessment on selected elderly cancer patients and case discussions in a multidisciplinary team conference on a weekly basis. Data gathered from the service was then analysed retrospectively in order to develop a new innovative assessment tool. I will discuss the Geri-oncology service in our centre and the trials and tribulations involved in doing research in this field and running the service.