Guy's and St Thomas' Charity is supporting a
pioneering pilot project aimed at improving cancer survival rates
in people aged over 75.
With 51 per cent of all newly diagnosed cancers in the UK
occurring among the over 70s and cancer death rates among the
over-75s higher than in comparable countries, the evidence points
towards older people receiving less active treatment than younger
people.
A new project is being piloted at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS
Foundation Trust which aims to promote better tolerance of cancer
treatments in older people by intervening at the point of
diagnosis: asking about wider problems they may have, providing a
more in-depth medical examination than typically given, and using
this information to better direct treatment. The project also
includes improved training to ensure those working with older
cancer patients understand their needs and the options
available.
The introduction of a liaison between geriatrics and oncology
aims to provide better care to address wider health issues patients
may have and potentially enable them to return home sooner.
Practical support is available to patients dealing with problems
ranging from what to do with their pets to getting help in the
home.
"The thinking behind this is that if there is more structured
assessment at the time of diagnosis, the oncologist along with a
geriatrician and team will be able to give people better treatment
and better support," explained Dr Danielle Harari, Consultant
Geriatrician at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. "There
is currently no service like this in the UK yet older people
respond differently than younger people to treatment."
The pilot has been jointly funded by Macmillan Cancer Support,
the Department of Health and Age UK, with additional support from
the Charity to extend the pilot. The Charity's support reflects
both its commitment towards creating world-class cancer services
for all, as well as its support of measurable, practical outcomes
that impact positively upon people's lives.
The pilot will be evaluated throughout to assess whether there
has been an improvement in clinical outcomes for the target
audience. The evaluation will also cover its impact on oncology
decision-making, including the percentage of patients that receive
curative treatment, as well as patient choice, patient-reported
outcomes, and cancer-related outcomes.