Background/Aims: Little is known about the prevalence of psychosocial factors, comorbid illness and the elements of ageing in older Australian people diagnosed with cancer.  These factors may significantly impact on cancer treatment planning. We aimed to characterise people aged >70 through the use of a geriatric assessment (GA), screening for these conditions.

Method: Consecutive patients aged >70 with a new diagnosis of cancer who would be discussed at a cancer multidisciplinary meeting (MDMs) were asked to complete a self-administered GA. Data obtained was analysed using descriptive statistics and compared to a general Australian population.

Results: Of the 233 eligible patients, 65 completed the GA (29% response rate), with a median age 76.5 (range 70-89). Patients were recruited from 4 tertiary centres across 5 MDMs including 2 breast, 1 upper gastro-intestinal, 2 lung. 36 (56%) were considered fit and 28 (44%) were considered vulnerable or frail. The median number of medications was 5 (range 0-30). In the preceding 6 months, 16 (25%) patients lost >5% of their bodyweight and 18 (28%) patients had fallen. There was impairment in iADLs with 44(68%) patients dependent in 1 or more ADL. Functional status and mental health were impaired compared to an older general Australian population, with a mean of 45 for physical health, and a mean of 66 for mental health, on a scale of 0-100 with 0 being completely impaired and 100 meaning no impairment. There was social activity limitation with a mean of 53 (scale of 0-100).

Conclusion:  A significant minority of patients newly diagnosed with cancer are vulnerable with functional, social and medical co-morbidities. This highlights the importance of GA and incorporating this information into cancer treatment planning.