Care of the Older Person with Cancer toolkit
This toolkit helps health services to identify and address existing barriers, examples of existing geriatric oncology services, and key resources to support staff education, patients and carers.
It provides information on:
- screening tools to help identify older, vulnerable cancer patients who will benefit most from a geriatric assessment
- Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) to identify areas of vulnerability, assist clinical treatment decisions, and guide interventions in routine oncology practice
- practical suggestions to identify and address barriers
- examples of geriatric oncology services that have been implemented in Australian health services
- links to calculators, how-to guides, guidelines, education opportunities, patient resources, and further considerations.
New update coming soon!
The VICS developed our Care of the Older Person with Cancer toolkit following consultation with subject matter experts and those supporting delivery of services – including clinicians, VICS staff, and the Victorian Department of Health. The toolkit was originally released in 2022 and has undergone an evaluation of its effectiveness as well as formal reviews to ensure it remains current and relevant.
The fourth iteration of the toolkit is currently in development (Feb. 2026) and will align with the Optimal Care Pathway for older people with cancer that was released in November 2025. The review process continues to be led by staff from SMICS and HRICS, with notable support from a dedicated VICS Special Interest Group. Membership of the group represents all 8 adult ICS and includes staff who have been involved with the project since its initiation in 2021.
The toolkit has garnered significant support from clinicians over time and is also linked on the COSA Geriatric Oncology Group resources page. We hope you find it useful!
