Caring for the Older Person Who Is Diagnosed with Cancer: a Toolbox for the Geriatric Nurse

Purpose of Review To offer a "toolbox" for geriatric nurses consisting of a general understanding of geriatric oncology, use of a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), role in the multidisciplinary team (MDT), and additional roles as leader, clinician, educator, advocate, and exemplar. Recent Findings Geriatric oncology incorporates the use of the Ambulatory Geriatric Oncology Program (AGOC), CGA, and an MDT to determine functional status, comorbid conditions, social support, and emotional concerns in addition to diagnosing and treating cancer. Nurses have a role in all elements of geriatric oncology. Nursing skills required in geriatric oncology should be cultivated to be able to advocate, lead, educate, and provide clinical care to older people. Resources are available to meet educational needs to continue to develop tools necessary for the geriatric oncology toolbox.