Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai has opened a dedicated Geriatric Oncology Clinic to provide specialised cancer care for people aged 60 and above. The new service is designed to ensure that treatment decisions are based on a patient’s overall health and ability to cope with therapy, rather than age alone.
The need for such specialised care is growing as cancer becomes an increasing concern among India’s older population. An estimated half of the country’s cancer cases occur in people aged 60 years and above, making age-sensitive cancer management increasingly important.
Older adults can have very different levels of physical fitness and independence despite being the same age. Doctors therefore need to consider several factors before selecting a treatment plan. These include frailty, nutritional health, cognitive function, existing medical conditions, the number of medicines being taken and the availability of family or social support.
According to Dr. Tejinder Singh, Professor and Lead Consultant – Medical and Precision Oncology at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, patients above 60 make up more than one-third of the hospital’s cancer caseload.
He said cancer treatment for older people should be personalised rather than based on age. A patient’s physical condition, independence, nutrition, mental and cognitive health, other illnesses and treatment preferences should all be considered before deciding on options such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted treatment or surgery.
The new clinic will follow a multidisciplinary model. Medical oncologists and geriatric specialists will work with nutritionists, physiotherapists, psychologists and other healthcare professionals. This team-based approach will support patients from diagnosis and treatment planning through recovery, supportive care and follow-up.
Dr. Sayali Damle, Consultant, Geriatric Medicine, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, said the purpose of geriatric oncology is not simply to reduce treatment for older patients. Instead, it aims to identify which patients can safely benefit from active cancer therapy while protecting frail patients from treatments that could cause unnecessary complications.
She explained that a comprehensive geriatric assessment can help doctors detect potential problems early and address issues that may be reversible. This can allow treatment plans to be better matched to each patient’s condition and may improve safety and outcomes.
The clinic reflects the growing importance of personalised cancer care as India’s elderly population increases. By combining oncology with geriatric assessment and supportive services, the initiative aims to help older adults receive treatment that matches their health, functional ability and individual needs.
Geriatric oncology can play an important role in improving cancer care for older adults. A personalised, multidisciplinary approach can help doctors balance effective treatment with quality of life and reduce the risks associated with unsuitable or overly intensive therapy.
(Photos courtesy: Facebook/apollohospitalsnavimumbai)