Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai introduces geriatric oncology clinic
Navi Mumbai: Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai brings specialised geriatric cancer care to the private healthcare sector with the launch of a dedicated Geriatric Oncology Clinic.
Chronological age does not always reflect a person’s physical fitness, functional independence or ability to withstand intensive treatment. Factors such as frailty, nutritional status, cognitive health, existing medical conditions, medication burden and social support can significantly influence treatment decisions and outcomes.
Nearly 1 in 2 cancer cases in India are now estimated to occur in people aged 60 and above, highlighting the growing need for specialised geriatric oncology care.
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As India’s population ages, more families are navigating cancer diagnoses among parents and grandparents. Yet two people of the same age and with the same cancer can have very different abilities to tolerate treatment.
For instance, a fit and independent 80-year-old may be able to receive standard treatment safely, while a frail 65-year-old may require a modified regimen, pre-treatment optimisation or additional support.
Dr. Tejinder Singh, Professor and Lead Consultant – Medical and Precision Oncology, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, said, “One-third of all cancer patients who come here for treatment are above 60 years of age. Cancer care for older adults cannot follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Age alone does not tell us whether a patient is fit enough for chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy or surgery. What matters is the patient’s overall health, functional independence, nutritional status, cognitive ability, co-existing illnesses and personal treatment goals, the press release stated.
Through this clinic, we aim to ensure that every older patient receives the right treatment, at the right intensity, with quality of life and dignity remaining central to every decision.”
Dr Sayali Damle - Consultant, Geriatric Medicine, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, said, “Geriatric oncology is not about giving less treatment to older patients. It is about preventing both undertreatment of fit patients who can benefit from cancer therapy and overtreatment of frail patients who may face avoidable complications. A detailed geriatric assessment allows us to identify risks early, address reversible concerns and personalise care in a way that improves safety and supports better outcomes.”
The clinic brings together a multidisciplinary team of medical oncologists, geriatricians, nutritionists, physiotherapists, psychologists and other support specialists. This collaborative model enables patients and families to receive coordinated care across the cancer journey, from diagnosis and treatment planning to supportive care and follow-up.
The initiative also seeks to address common misconceptions around cancer treatment in older adults. Advanced age alone should not automatically exclude a patient from chemotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy or targeted therapy. Equally, when frailty or other vulnerabilities are identified, they can often be addressed through interventions such as nutritional support, physical rehabilitation, medication rationalisation and better management of co-existing illnesses.
With the launch of the Geriatric Oncology Clinic, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai strengthens its commitment to evidence-based, patient-centred cancer care for an ageing population. The clinic will help older adults and their families make more informed treatment decisions, balancing cancer control with safety, independence, comfort and quality of life.
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