Older adults with cancer represent a heterogenous group of individuals who experience a broad range of tumour and treatment-related side-effects and supportive care needs. Malnutrition affects up to 66% of older people with cancer, while sarcopenia is present in 15–55% of this population. These conditions significantly compromise quality of life, treatment tolerance, and survival.
Nutrition-related treatment toxicities such as nausea, vomiting and mucositis increase malnutrition risk. This is compounded by common age-related changes including reduced appetite, altered taste and smell, and early satiety. The older person with cancer can also experiences various social and physical changes which can further impact nutrition status.
Geriatric screening and assessment are essential for optimising care, with nutrition forming a critical component. This presentation will outline practical strategies for the multidisciplinary team (MDT) to screen, assess, and support older adults with cancer throughout treatment and survivorship. Emphasis will be placed on understanding individual priorities (what matters most) to guide tailored nutrition interventions.
Key strategies include routine nutrition screening, comprehensive nutrition assessment using validated tools (SGA/PGSGA), identification and management of nutrition-impact symptoms, and tailored nutrition prescriptions such as dietary counselling, access to nutrition supplements and liberalised diets. Additional approaches involve screening for functional impairments, fatigue, or food insecurity that may limit the ability to shop, prepare meals, or access adequate nutrition.
This presentation will highlight the pivotal role of dietitians within the MDT and demonstrate how collaborative care can optimise nutrition and improve outcomes for older people with cancer.