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At Crossroads: The Challenges for Geriatric Oncology in India
Bipinesh Sansar1, Anuj Gupta1, Ankita Chitre2
1Department of Medical Oncology, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital (HBCH) and Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Cancer Centre (MPMMCC), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
South Asian Journal of Cancer
|December 22, 2025
Summary
The global population is aging, increasing the need for specialized geriatric oncology care. Current resources and awareness are insufficient, highlighting a critical gap in cancer care for older adults.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Oncology
Background:
- A growing segment of the population is aging, necessitating specialized healthcare approaches.
- Cancer incidence is rising, particularly within the geriatric demographic (individuals aged 60 and above).
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the increasing cancer burden in the aging population.
- To identify unmet needs and propose solutions in geriatric oncology care.
Main Methods:
- Review of current geriatric oncology practices and resource allocation.
- Identification of key challenges including screening, interventions, and awareness.
Main Results:
- Limited specialized geriatric oncology clinics exist.
- Key unmet needs include insufficient resources for screening, lack of validated interventions, and low awareness.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need to expand geriatric oncology services.
- Proposed solutions involve enhanced training for oncologists and country-specific research for effective interventions.
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