Education and training Main priorities for the development of geriatric oncology: A worldwide expert perspective Martine Extermann ⁎ , Matti Aapro, Riccardo Audisio, Lodovico Balducci, Jean-Pierre Droz, Christopher Steer, Hans Wildiers, Gilbert Zulian On behalf of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Article history: Received 24 June 2011 Accepted 1 July 2011 Available online 16 September 2011 Objective: The world population is aging rapidly, thanks to improvements in nutrition, sanitation, disease treatment and prevention (notably for infectious diseases), and better economic conditions. As aging is the main risk factor for cancer, its incidence follows suit. This represents a worldwide challenge and addressing it correctly will require a vast international effort and clear priorities. Methods: The International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG), a multidisciplinary society of experts in the field, decided to identify those priorities. The SIOG National Representatives (NRs) were asked first to identify the 10 highest priorities to address on a worldwide scale. Then, the NRs were asked to identify how these priorities were/could be implemented in their country. A writing committee assembled and edited the results. Results: We identified 3 key areas of priority: education, clinical practice, and research. Education should be targeted at both the professional and the population levels. In clinical practice, pilot models of multidisciplinary collaboration should be expanded first to key reference centers, and a 2-step approach to screening and evaluation should be used to optimize resource use. In research, several strategies can render trials more relevant for older patients. These priorities are fully detailed in a monograph 1 that can be viewed online at www.siog.org or ordered from siog@genolier.net. This article explores the rationale and general academic and public health implications of these priorities. Conclusions: These priorities represent an expert consensus with potential to guide education, clinical practice, and research to improve the care of older cancer patients throughout the world. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Geriatric oncology SIOG International Society of Geriatric Oncology Health policy Education Clinic Research World Guidelines Consensus Contents 1. Introduction .......................................................... 271 2. Methods ............................................................ 271 3. Results ............................................................. 271 3.1. Education........................................................ 271 3.2. Clinical Practice .................................................... 271 3.3. Research ........................................................ 272 JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC ONCOLOGY 2 (2011) 270 – 273 ⁎ Corresponding author at: Senior Adult Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. Tel.: + 1 813 745 3822; fax: +1 813 745 1908. E-mail address: martine.extermann@moffitt.org (M. Extermann). 1879-4068/$ – see front matter © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.jgo.2011.07.001 available at www.sciencedirect.com