Grant: Project Grant

Ageism is the act of discriminating against people based on their age. In Canada, cancer is most common among older adults (over age 65). Older adults are more likely to receive care based on age rather than on their physical and functional health. The 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guideline for care of older adults describes the need for comprehensive geriatric assessment (geriatric assessment) to guide treatment and support informed decision making. In Canada, geriatric assessment before cancer treatment for older adults is the exception, and not the rule, with only 3 provinces offering access to geriatric assessment across the country. As a result, older adults with cancer are most likely to be overtreated and/or undertreated. The outcome of both of these approaches is that the treatment they receive is not tailored to their needs. Ageism is a known and described problem in cancer care, but the scope of the problem is hard to determine. What is known is that ageism can impact treatment choices, and have unjust negative impacts on older adults with cancer. The purpose of this study is to scope the problem and generate evidence to form a foundation for future solutions. We will used multiple research methods, including surveys with healthcare professionals. We will also conduct interviews with older adults with cancer and healthcare professionals to understand their lived experiences. Finally we will share the study findings through a series of cross-Canada conversations with the goal of sharing the proposed solutions and exploring their feasibility to transform cancer care.