Geriatric Oncology: Past, Present, Future

During the last few years, the term “geriatric oncology ” has received a lot of attention within the medical oncology community. This is due to recognition of the fact that the population of the United States is aging, and by the year 2030, 20 % of the population will be older than 65 years of age, with those 85 years and older (ie, “the oldest old”) encompassing the most rapidly growing group.1 It is now well recognized that cancer is a major problem for older individuals. It is the second leading cause of death after heart disease in the United States and the leading cause of death among those 60 to 80 years of age.2 Overall, age represents the single most important risk factor for developing cancer. Approximately 60 % of all newly diagnosed malignant tumors and 70 % of all cancer deaths occur in persons 65 years or older, according to the Surveillance, Epidemiology and En