Cancer in Older Adults

Why is Cancer in Older Adults different?

At the University of Colorado Anschutz Cancer Center, our care team recognizes aging as a major risk factor for cancer incidence and mortality. While a cancer diagnosis is challenging at any age, patients aged 65 and above commonly face additional concerns, including a higher risk of drug reactions, coexisting health conditions, greater financial burdens, and the stress of caregiving for loved ones. Our geriatric oncologists and specialists provide care adapted to each older patient's medical needs, lifestyle, and general well-being.

Cancer Prognosis and Guidelines for Older Adults

 In 2025, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) issued global guidelines stating that all cancer patients aged 65 and older should have a geriatric assessment before starting treatment. The CU Anschutz Cancer Center Associate Director of Global Oncology, Enrique Soto Pérez de Celis, MD, PhD, MSc, FASCO, served as the guideline co-chair for these updates. Cancer prognosis and survival rates for older adults are based on:

• Prevalence: Cancer is a disease of aging, as the risk of developing cancer is 11 times higher in people over 65. The most common types in this age group are lung, breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers.
• Particular Needs: Older patients often have pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, along with reduced functional, cognitive, or nutritional reserves.
• Geriatric Assessment: The gold standard for assessment, evaluating function, comorbidities, cognition, mental health, nutrition, and social support. It guides treatment decisions.
• Specialized Care: Geriatric oncology personalizes treatment to avoid undertreatment related to ageism and overtreatment related to frailty.
• Challenges: Despite a high incidence, older adults are underrepresented in clinical trials. Barriers to care can include cognitive impairment, limited support systems, and disabilities.

  A New Playbook for Assessing Older Patients With Cancer in Places Where Resources Are Scarce.

Why Come to CU Anschutz Cancer Center for Cancer Care for Older Adults

Older patients with cancer at the University of Colorado Anschutz Cancer Center benefit from the expertise of our clinicians and researchers. As a matrix cancer center, we prioritize research to advance knowledge, improve treatment options, conduct clinical trials, and collaborate globally to advance geriatric oncology.

Our clinical partners at the UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital opened the state's first Geriatric Oncology clinic in 2026. This clinic unites clinicians from Medical Oncology and Geriatrics at the CU Anschutz School of Medicine to provide high-quality care for older adults with cancer. The team, with support from physical therapy, pharmacy, nutrition, and social work, creates individualized care plans for each patient.

  Geriatric Oncology Clinic Helps Older Patients Who Need Specialized Care.

The cancer center is building infrastructure to better understand the intersection of aging and cancer across the state. A working group of researchers from the University of Colorado Anschutz, University of Colorado Boulder, and Colorado State University studies cancer biology, incidence, therapies, health outcomes, and psychosocial factors related to aging. The group meets regularly to share research, propose collaborations, and offer funding opportunities to strengthen infrastructure and support long-term collaboration in oncology and primary care.

Types of Cancers in Older Adults

Breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers are most prevalent in adults aged 65 and older, accounting for nearly 60% of all cancer cases in this population. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death, followed by colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers. Incidence rates for these cancers rise significantly with age.

• Prostate Cancer: The most common cancer in older men, with 75% of cases diagnosed at age 65 or older.
• Breast Cancer: This is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in older women, with incidence increasing with age.
• Lung Cancer: The leading cause of cancer-related death, with over 80% of cases occurring in adults aged 60 and above.
• Colorectal Cancer: Incidence is six times higher in adults aged 65 to 84 than in younger individuals.
• Bladder cancer and melanoma are also common in older adults.