Geriatric Oncology

With an aging global population, the burden of cancer among older adults is rapidly increasing. Recognizing the unique needs of this demographic, Chennai has established the first dedicated geriatric oncology unit in South India. This center focuses on diagnosing, treating, and supporting older adults with cancer through every step of their journey. Given the complex nature of geriatric cancer treatment in Chennai, involving comorbidities and frailty, this center employs advanced techniques and a multidisciplinary approach to provide optimal care.

• 1. Active Older Adults: Those over 65 seeking cancer care that supports their return to an active lifestyle.
• 2. Frail or Impaired Seniors: Patients with multiple health conditions and complex care requirements.
• 3. Patients with Comorbidities: Individuals needing safe and effective cancer treatments tailored to their other medical conditions.

Standard cancer treatments are often unsuitable for older adults due to their unique health profiles, making geriatric cancer treatment in Chennai essential for providing appropriate and effective care.

Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment

A comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is fundamental in geriatric oncology, helping identify various health conditions that may impact cancer treatment. This detailed evaluation covers:

• Current health and medical conditions
• Cognitive and physical abilities
• Cancer symptoms and treatment side effects
• Medication impacts
• Home care situations

Conducted by a multidisciplinary team—including geriatric oncologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, nutritionists, pharmacists, and social workers—this assessment ensures a thorough understanding of the patient’s health to guide personalized treatment.

Risks and Benefits of Geriatric Oncology

Risks

• Treatment Tolerance: Elderly patients may experience more severe side effects.
• Comorbidities: Existing health issues can complicate cancer management.
• Functional Decline: Treatments might affect physical functionality.
• Cognitive Challenges: Age-related cognitive impairments can hinder treatment adherence.

Benefits

• Tailored Approaches: Treatment plans are customized to individual health statuses.
• Improved Quality of Life: Focus on maintaining functionality and overall well-being.
• Multidisciplinary Care: Involves various healthcare professionals for holistic care.
• Advanced Treatments: Access to modern therapies tailored to specific cancer types.

Geriatric cancer treatment in Chennai balances these risks and benefits to optimize cancer care for older adults, ensuring they receive the most appropriate and effective treatments.

Geriatric Oncology Program Services

Palliative Care

• Treats pain and cancer-related symptoms
• Navigates complex healthcare systems
• Provides guidance for difficult treatment decisions
• Offers spiritual and psychosocial support
• Assists with advanced care planning and medication management

Occupational Therapy Rehabilitation

• Enhances daily living activities such as bathing and dressing
• Teaches energy conservation techniques

Physical Therapy Rehabilitation:

• Assists with balance, lymphedema, weakness, and endurance issues

Speech-Language Pathology Rehabilitation:

• Addresses speaking and swallowing difficulties resulting from cancer treatments

Pharmacy:

• Manages medications and assesses drug interactions
• Optimizes and de-escalates inappropriate therapies

Nutrition Counseling:

• Manages symptoms throughout treatment
• Develops individualized nutrition plans

Hospice Care:

• Provides comfort-focused palliative care for terminally ill patients

Social Work:

• Addresses practical and emotional needs, including housing, insurance, financial, and transportation issues

Services Offered by the Geriatric Oncology Program

The Geriatric Oncology Program offers comprehensive services designed to meet the unique needs of older cancer patients. Recognizing that geriatric patients often face distinct challenges, such as multiple health conditions, reduced physical resilience, and social support limitations, the program adopts a multidisciplinary approach to provide holistic care.

Key services include:

Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA)

This thorough evaluation covers physical health, functional status, mental health, and social circumstances to tailor individualized treatment plans.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Based on CGA results, oncologists, geriatricians, and other specialists collaborate to create customized treatment strategies that balance efficacy with tolerability, considering the patient’s overall health and quality of life.

Multidisciplinary Team Care

The program involves a team of healthcare professionals, including best oncologists, geriatricians, nurses, dietitians, social workers, and physical therapists, ensuring coordinated and integrated care.

Supportive Care Services

These include pain management, nutritional support, psychological counseling, and palliative care, aimed at enhancing comfort and well-being throughout the cancer journey.

Rehabilitation and Mobility Support

Physical and occupational therapists work to maintain and improve mobility, independence, and daily functioning, crucial for preserving quality of life in elderly patients.

Family and Caregiver Support

Education, counseling, and respite care services are available to assist families in managing the complexities of caregiving, ensuring they are well-supported.

By focusing on these areas, the Geriatric Oncology Program aims to improve treatment outcomes, maintain independence, and enhance the quality of life for elderly cancer patients and their families.

Prevention of Geriatric Oncology

Preventing cancer in older adults involves lifestyle changes, regular screenings, and early interventions. As people age, the risk of developing cancer increases, making it crucial to adopt preventive measures to maintain health and reduce the incidence of cancer.

• Healthy Diet: Eating a diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can reduce the risk of cancer. Avoiding processed foods, red meats, and excessive sugar intake is also beneficial.
• Regular Exercise: Engaging in physical activities such as walking, swimming, or yoga helps maintain a healthy weight and boosts the immune system, reducing cancer risk.
• Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Smoking is a leading cause of various cancers, while excessive alcohol consumption is linked to several types of cancer.
• Regular Screenings: Early detection through screenings like mammograms, colonoscopies, and skin checks can catch cancer early, improving treatment outcomes.
• Vaccinations: Vaccines like the HPV vaccine can prevent cancers caused by infections.
• Sun Protection: Using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing helps prevent skin cancer.

Adopting these measures can significantly contribute to reducing cancer risk among the elderly.

The Best Treatment for Geriatric Cancer Treatment in Chennai

geriatric oncology in Chennai is a pioneering facility in India, dedicated to older cancer patients. It features infrastructure and services tailored to provide personalized care for various cancers. The multidisciplinary team conducts thorough evaluations, identifies areas of vulnerability, predicts treatment toxicity and survival, and assists in clinical decision-making. This approach ensures that older adults receive quality care, improving their overall prognosis and quality of life.

Geriatric oncology cost in Chennai varies based on individual treatment plans, but the center strives to provide affordable, high-quality care for older adults.

Conclusion

Geriatric cancer treatment in Chennai offers state-of-the-art treatments through a multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing comprehensive care for older adults with cancer. By thoroughly assessing each patient’s unique needs, the center ensures that every individual receives the most appropriate and effective treatment. This pioneering approach in India sets a new standard for geriatric cancer in Chennai, enhancing the lives of older adults facing cancer.