How to Get Referred
If you are receiving cancer care at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre or Mount Sinai Hospital, you can get referred to the Older Adults with Cancer Clinic. You need a referral from your physician (family doctor or specialist).
Instructions for Physicians
Your doctor can get all the referral information they need on the Patient Referral page.
Referral Page
What We Do
The clinical team at the Older Adults with Cancer Clinic (OACC) identifies the unique needs of older people with cancer. The goal of the OACC clinical team is to help you maintain function, independence and quality of life as much as possible before, during or after treatment.
What is geriatric medicine?
Geriatric medicine is concerned with the health and well-being of older adults. Geriatric oncologists are medical specialists who focus on improving the health of older adults who have a cancer diagnosis. The OACC team works with many senior learners (fellows and residents in geriatric medicine), so you may also be seen by one of these team members during your visit.
What is a consultation to the Older Adults with Cancer Clinic (OACC)?
If you have a consultation to the OACC, you will be assessed first by a Geriatric Oncology Nurse (nurse that specializes in cancer care for older adults). The nurse will spend approximately 30-45 minutes with you and perform a brief/focused physical exam, which will include short fitness tests such as walking the hall, getting up off of a chair, squeezing a handle, etc. There are no medications, needles, or other procedures required.
Next you will usually be assessed by Residents or Fellows (doctors in training) and a Geriatric Oncology Physician (doctor that specializes in cancer care for older adults). This portion of your visit may also last up to 45 minutes or longer in length.
The total consultation usually lasts
1.5-2 hours, and includes an interview and physical exam.
During the interview part of the consultation, the team may speak with you about:
- Help with your cancer treatment decision making
- Falls/difficulty walking
- Your medications
- Nutrition and diet
- Memory and mood concerns
- Social supports
- How to manage personal care and other daily activities at home
- Bowel and bladder issues
- Fatigue
- Any other issues you may need help with
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Please bring your current medications to the consultation
At the end of the consultation, the OACC team will provide recommendations to you and your oncology team.
