Older patients with cancer – experts chat about this important speciality crossover

Older adults account for the majority of people living with and surviving cancer. What’s draws people to work in this space, and what issues do they deal with? 

This episode of The Oncology Republic Podcast explores how the field of geriatric oncology has grown in Australia, and some of the challenges it faces. 

Dr Paul Viray, a consultant geriatrician and medical oncology registrar who works across several sites in Victoria, says the geriatric oncology community in Australia has grown because of increased awareness about managing older patients in a more holistic fashion. 

“If you spend a bit more time in the holistic care of the older adult, it’s so rewarding. And I think a lot of people want to do that more and more.” 

Dr Michael Krasovitsky, chair of the Geriatric Oncology Multidisciplinary Service at St Vincent's Hospital in Darlinghurst, feels our nation’s “abysmal” funding model for geriatric oncology means we become reliant on having an engaged and inclusive community.  

“Navigating the funding arrangements are extremely difficult, and ultimately to the detriment of patients. You need to come up with some sort of fake model of care that works in your specific hospital situation, which requires local champions often begging administrators to provide funding. 

“We now have our geriatric oncology emerging experts and researchers group, [which is] a really sizeable group of people who are engaged in researching and collaborating with overseas clinicians. That’s been really invaluable.” 

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