Quality cancer care for older adults from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds: Perspectives from the Cancer and Aging Research Group Junior Board

Globally, the number of new cancer diagnoses among older adults has nearly tripled over the last 30 years [1]. This demographic shift has important implications for clinicians and health systems. Older adults represent a highly heterogeneous population with diverse medical, functional, and psychosocial needs that require individualized approaches to cancer care. Quality cancer care must therefore extend beyond disease management to encompass the holistic needs of the older adult. The cornerstone of this care is the integration of a geriatric assessment (GA), which captures multiple geriatric domains including functional status, comorbid medical conditions, cognition, nutrition, psychosocial needs, and polypharmacy.