About the Senior Adult Oncology Center
Sixty percent of cancer in the U.S. occurs in persons over 65, and the risk of developing cancer increases with age. Additionally, older patients typically are dealing with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease or kidney problems, making their cancer treatment an even greater challenge for both them and their healthcare professionals.
At the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson, our Senior Adult Oncology Center provides personalized cancer treatment approaches of a gentle yet effective nature for aging patients. The Center has a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including geriatricians (physicians who specialize in treating the elderly), medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, nurses, dieticians, pharmacists, social workers and others to work with older adults and their treating oncologists.
A comprehensive geriatric oncology assessment is done to identify possible problem areas related to the cancer and other issues related to aging. The goal is to determine a personalized and therapeutic treatment plan that is acceptable to you, ensuring your autonomy, dignity and quality of life.
Your treatment plan will will take into consideration your risks and potential for complications. We will share your treatment plan with your primary care physician and/or oncologist. A nurse will coordinate your team and help navigate you through the assessment and serves as a point of contact during your care.
Our Center also offers you and referring physicians the opportunity to receive a second opinion or advice on a particular problem related to cancer and aging. If you plan on receiving your care closer to home, our physicians will work closely with your healthcare providers to deliver treatment in your own community.