Pathway for improving the care and experience of older people with cancer

[From Clinical Oncology Society of Australia]

The 'Optimal Care Pathway for older people for cancer' is now available. This will help to ensure older patients receive the right care, at the right time, in the right place.

Professor Meera Agar and A/Professor Christopher Steer led the development of the OCP co-chairing and guiding an expert multidisciplinary working group including members of our COSA Geriatric Oncology Group Executive and consumer representatives.

The working group mapped the cancer journey for older adults using the National OCP Framework and the 4Ms framework of Age-Friendly Care: What Matters, Medication, Mentation (Mind and Mood) and Mobility.

In a recorded address, during the opening ceremony of COSA-IPOS 2025, the Federal Health Minister, Mark Butler MP, thanked everyone involved in the OCP development and added that, "All Australians deserve the best care, regardless of their age and circumstances and this pathway sets a benchmark for health services and professionals."

The OCP is comprised of a 158-page booklet and Quick Reference Guide for healthcare providers, and consumer guides in 11 languages available as PDF and audio downloads.

Support for implementation of the OCP will be vital to ensure healthcare providers and consumers can apply the pathway principles in everyday practice to optimise care for older people with cancer.