Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai has started a new Geriatric Oncology Clinic for older people suffering from cancer. The clinic will provide specialised cancer care based on the health and individual needs of elderly patients.
A person’s age does not always show how fit or healthy they are. Older cancer patients may have different levels of physical strength, nutritional health, memory and thinking ability, existing health problems and medication needs. These factors can affect how well they respond to cancer treatment.
The need for specialised cancer care for senior citizens is increasing in India. Nearly one out of every two cancer cases in the country is estimated to occur in people aged 60 years and above. This makes geriatric oncology an important part of cancer care.
Two people of the same age may not have the same ability to handle cancer treatment. For example, an active 80-year-old may be fit enough for regular treatment, while a weaker 65-year-old may need a different treatment plan or extra medical support before starting therapy.
Dr Tejinder Singh, Professor and Lead Consultant – Medical and Precision Oncology, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, said that around one-third of cancer patients visiting the hospital are above 60 years of age.
He said doctors should not decide cancer treatment only by looking at a patient’s age. Their overall health, ability to carry out daily activities, nutrition, mental health, other medical problems and personal treatment goals should also be considered before choosing treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy or surgery.
Dr Singh said the new clinic aims to provide older patients with the most suitable treatment and the right level of care, while also giving importance to their comfort, dignity and quality of life.
Dr Sayali Damle, Consultant, Geriatric Medicine, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, said geriatric oncology does not mean giving less treatment to older patients. The aim is to make sure that healthy older patients are not denied useful cancer treatment, while frail patients are not given treatments that could cause unnecessary health problems.
She said a detailed health assessment can help doctors identify problems before treatment begins. Some of these problems can be improved through proper nutrition, physical activity, medication changes and treatment of other health conditions.
The new clinic will have a team of different specialists, including cancer doctors, geriatricians, nutritionists, physiotherapists and psychologists. Together, they will provide support to patients from the time of diagnosis through treatment and follow-up care.
The clinic also aims to clear some common misunderstandings about cancer treatment in older people. Being elderly does not automatically mean that a patient cannot undergo chemotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy or targeted treatment. At the same time, patients who are weak or frail may need additional support to make treatment safer.Support such as better nutrition, physical rehabilitation, reviewing medicines and controlling other health problems can help some older patients become better prepared for cancer treatment.
With the launch of the Geriatric Oncology Clinic, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai aims to provide more personalised and specialised cancer care for India’s growing elderly population. The clinic will help patients and their families choose treatment options while keeping safety, independence, comfort and quality of life in mind.
For more health-related news
