Older Adults with Cancer | UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center

Cancer and Aging: What You Need to Know

• Getting older increases your risk of cancer. Nearly 60% of new cancer cases are in people over 65.
• Cancer can add extra stress, especially if you are already managing other health problems.  
• You might have special caregiving needs or even be a caregiver for someone else.
• Getting to appointments and eating well during treatment can be a challenge

Support for Older Adults with Cancer

There are cancer center team members who can help make the cancer journey easier:

• Oncology social worker: They help with the emotional, social, and practical challenges of cancer treatment.
• Oncology dietitian: These experts guidance on nutrition and eating healthy while you manage cancer.

Let these professionals support you and your loved ones through this journey!

The following resources can also help older adults with cancer as well as their caregivers:

• Aging and Cancer by Cancer.net
• Cancer and The Elderly by National Cancer Institute
• Caring for the Patient with Cancer at Home by American Cancer Society
• Eldercare Services Locator, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging connecting you to services for older adults and their families. 1-800-677-1116
• Living Through Cancer by American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
• Meals on Wheels by ACC
• Sacramento Area Community Resources for Older Adults
• Sacramento County Senior Resource Directory by CancerCare

For more information on resources for cancer patients and families, please visit the Patient and Family Learning Center