Geriatric Oncology Program
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.
The program includes an emerging number of clinical trials focused on cancer in older persons.
Program faculty also aim to educate medical students, residents, fellows and faculty on issues related to geriatric oncology. 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.
In the clinic, older patients with cancer can be seen by both an expert in their type of cancer as well as a geriatric oncologist to maximize the quality of care for each individual.
Collaborators
UNC has a range of programs and faculty studying issues of aging, and these groups work with the Geriatric Oncology Program:
- 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.
These groups work together with the goal of offering patients and families everything they may need to manage their cancer journey in the best possible way.