Ageing and Cancer Risk: Why Growing Older Is a Major Factor in Cancer Care

Cancer is often associated with lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and excessive sun exposure. While these factors can increase the risk of developing certain cancers, there is another major factor that is much harder to avoid: ageing.

Growing older is a natural part of life, and the risk of many cancers increases as people age. This creates an important challenge for healthcare systems because populations around the world are becoming older. As the number of older adults diagnosed with cancer rises, healthcare providers need to consider not only how to treat the disease, but also how treatment may affect a person's overall health, independence and quality of life.

Why does cancer risk increase with age?

Ageing is closely associated with cancer because the body undergoes many changes over time. Cells accumulate damage, the immune system changes, and people may develop other health conditions alongside cancer.

This does not mean that getting older automatically causes cancer. Rather, age is one of the strongest factors associated with cancer risk. Unlike smoking, alcohol consumption or exposure to sunlight, ageing is unavoidable.

The growing number of older adults makes this particularly important. According to the source article, approximately 29 percent of Canada's population is expected to be over the age of 65 by 2068. Similar demographic changes are occurring in many parts of the world.

As populations age, cancer care needs to evolve accordingly.

Older adults may need a different approach to cancer treatment

Cancer treatment can involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and other approaches. However, the best treatment for an older person may not always be determined by age alone.

Older adults can have very different levels of health and independence. One person in their seventies may be physically active and independent, while another may have several existing medical conditions or difficulties with mobility and memory.

This is why a broader assessment can be valuable before making major cancer treatment decisions.

International guidance, including recommendations associated with the American Society of Clinical Oncology, supports geriatric assessment for older adults before cancer treatment decisions are made.

A geriatric assessment can look beyond the cancer itself. It may consider areas such as physical function, cognition, existing illnesses, medications, independence and the individual's broader circumstances.

What is geriatric oncology?

Geriatric oncology focuses on the specific needs of older people with cancer. It brings together cancer care and principles of geriatric medicine to help healthcare professionals make more personalised treatment decisions.

A geriatrician can work alongside an oncologist to identify issues that may not be immediately obvious during standard medical assessments.

For example, an older adult may appear capable of managing treatment during a short clinical appointment, while a more detailed assessment could reveal difficulties with mobility, nutrition, memory or managing multiple medications.

Understanding these factors can help doctors and patients have a more informed discussion about treatment options.

Most importantly, this approach puts the patient's priorities at the centre of decision-making.

Quality of life should be part of cancer care

Treating cancer is not simply about targeting a tumour. For many older adults, maintaining independence and quality of life can be just as important as extending life.

Cancer treatment can sometimes affect physical function, cognition and the ability to carry out everyday activities. Older adults may also have existing health conditions that influence how they respond to treatment.

A personalised assessment can help healthcare teams understand these risks before treatment begins.

This allows patients, families and healthcare professionals to discuss what matters most. For some people, aggressive treatment may be the preferred option. For others, preserving independence, reducing treatment-related complications or spending more time at home may be higher priorities.

There is no single answer that applies to every older person with cancer.

Access to specialised cancer services remains limited

Despite the growing need, specialised geriatric oncology services are not yet widely available across Canada.

The source article highlights specialised clinics in Montréal and Toronto, while noting that additional programs have been under development in parts of Ontario and Alberta. British Columbia, according to the article, has lacked specialised services for older adults with cancer.

This gap is significant because the need for age-sensitive cancer care is expected to increase as populations continue to age.

Research cited in the source article also suggests that specialised geriatric oncology clinics can provide economic benefits. One study led by Shabbir Alibhai found estimated savings of approximately $7,000 per older adult seen in these clinics.

That suggests personalised cancer care may potentially benefit both patients and healthcare systems.

Healthcare workforce shortages are another challenge

Expanding geriatric oncology services is not necessarily straightforward.

One major challenge is the availability of healthcare professionals. Geriatricians are already in high demand, while the supply remains limited.

However, the source article points to nurse-led models as another possible approach. With nurse practitioners taking on increasingly important roles within healthcare systems, there may be opportunities to develop more flexible and cost-effective models of care.

Technology, multidisciplinary teams and targeted assessments could also help healthcare systems identify which patients are most likely to benefit from specialised support.

Ageism may also affect cancer care

Another issue raised by the source is ageism, meaning discrimination or assumptions based on a person's age.

Ageism can be difficult to identify because it may appear within established systems and routines rather than through openly discriminatory decisions.

Older adults should not automatically be considered unsuitable for effective cancer treatment simply because they are older. At the same time, treatment should not be offered without considering the individual's overall health, preferences and circumstances.

The goal should be personalised decision-making rather than decisions based solely on chronological age.

A more targeted model could help

It may not be realistic for every older adult with cancer to receive a full specialised geriatric oncology service. As the older population grows, healthcare systems may need to prioritise those who are most likely to benefit.

The source article suggests focusing specialised programs on people who are particularly frail, have complex needs or are most likely to gain improvements in quality of life.

This targeted approach could potentially make better use of limited healthcare resources while ensuring that patients with the greatest needs receive appropriate support.

The future of cancer care for older adults

Ageing is an unavoidable part of life, but cancer care does not have to remain unchanged.

As more people live into older age, healthcare systems will need to adapt their approach to cancer diagnosis and treatment. That means recognising that older adults are not one uniform group and that successful cancer care should consider the whole person.

Geriatric assessment, multidisciplinary care and patient-centred decision-making could all play a role in creating a more responsive system.

The central message is simple: age should be considered in cancer care, but it should not be used as a substitute for understanding the individual.

By assessing health, function, cognition, existing conditions and personal priorities, healthcare professionals can work with older adults to make treatment decisions that are better aligned with their needs.

As the world's population continues to age, making cancer care more personalised for older adults will become increasingly important.

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Cancer risk and treatment decisions vary from person to person. Anyone concerned about cancer, ageing-related health changes or treatment options should speak with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.