Older adults represent the majority of people affected by cancer, yet their care remains fragmented and under-optimized. Geriatric oncology presents unique challenges including clinical complexity, multimorbidity, polypharmacy, frailty, and cognitive decline. Primary care and general practice are ideally positioned to address these complexities through longitudinal, patient-centered care, yet their integration into oncology pathways is inconsistent.
This presentation explores the pivotal role of primary care in geriatric oncology across the continuum—from early detection and diagnosis to survivorship, palliative and end-of-life care. General practitioners (GPs) manage multimorbidity and polypharmacy, provide holistic and comprehensive care, coordinate with aged care and other services, and provide continuity of care. However, systemic barriers such as poor communication between oncology and primary care, lack of geriatric oncology training, and fragmented care models persist. Many GPs desire greater involvement due to their longstanding relationships with older patients. Intersectionality may also accelerate disparities affecting older adults in rural and remote areas and those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. Strategies to enhance multidisciplinary care and improve outcomes for older people with cancer through primary care will be presented.