Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in older oncological patients: Why and how?

摘要

A Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is the most appropriate method to obtain a view on the general health status of an older individual (including social situation, functionality, falls, cognition, mood changes, nutritional status). There is often limited knowledge among oncologists/healthcare workers on practical aspects of geriatric assessment. Under the auspices of the educational committee of SIOG, a practice guideline was developed with very concrete information on the most frequently used geriatric assessment tools. This guideline is available at the SIOG website, and is meant to become an 'up-to-date' system where healthcare workers can add new evidence or information if required. This editorial also discusses the reasons why oncologists need a geriatric assessment.