Shani Alston, program research assistant, patient Becky Breckenridge, and Hy Muss, MD, review Ms. Breckenridge's geriatric assessment.

Overview

Cancer is a disease of aging, with age as the single most important risk factor for developing cancer. And cancer treatment in the older population is complicated by factors related to other diseases and conditions they may have, other medicines they take, and psychosocial issues related to aging.

The Geriatric Oncology Program brings together expertise from across UNC to ensure the highest quality cancer care for older patients and to conduct research that furthers understanding of the factors affecting cancer treatment in the elderly. Program faculty also aim to educate medical students, residents, fellows, and faculty on issues related to geriatric oncology.

UNC has a range of programs and faculty studying issues of aging, and these groups will work with the Geriatric Oncology Program.

• The Institute on Aging works across North Carolina to enhance the well-being of older North Carolinians by fostering statewide collaboration in research, education and service.


• The UNC Center for Aging and Health is a leading geriatric clinical, research, education, and training site.


• The Palliative Care Consult Service, a clinical program at UNC Hospitals, provides care and support for patients with life-limiting illnesses such as cancer.


• The Supportive Care Consultation Service and Clinic faculty and staff work with patients to manage pain, symptoms, and treatment side effects.

All of these groups are coming together with the goal of offering patients and families everything they may need to manage their cancer journey in the best possible way.