Geriatric Oncology
Living Well: A Program for Older Adults
with Cancer
Cancer affects older adults more than
any other age group. Older adults
face challenges when confronting
a cancer diagnosis, which may be
different from the challenges faced
by younger patients. Older adults
with cancer may be dealing with
medical and social issues that make
their care more complicated such
as living alone, having additional
medical conditions and disabilities,
or living on a fixed income.
The Joan Karnell Cancer Center at
Pennsylvania Hospital recognizes that older
adults with cancer may require specialized
care to support them and their families.
However, we also recognize that older adults
often have coping skills developed through
years of living that allow them to face cancer
with strength, dignity and the ability and
desire to make decisions about their own
health care goals and treatment.
About the Program
The Living Well Program is
part of the Pain
and Supportive Care Program,
a palliative care service at the Joan Karnell
Cancer Center. The goal of this program is to
provide expert symptom management and support
for older adults with cancer.
Adults over age
65 can be referred to this program at diagnosis
or at any point in their illness. A comprehensive
assessment is completed and referrals are made
to appropriate clinicians. Patients and their
caregivers are followed through the course of
their disease and needs are re-evaluated on a
regular basis.
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