The International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) has announced the launch of its new Consortium and Partnership Programme, aimed at fostering long-term collaboration dedicated to improving the diagnosis and care of older adults with cancer. This initiative underscores the growing need for age-specific oncology strategies as the global population continues to age.
Rising Burden of Cancer in Older Adults
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), approximately 20 million new cancer cases were reported worldwide in 2022, with 62.3 percent, or roughly 12.5 million cases, occurring in individuals aged 60 and above. Similarly, out of the 9.7 million cancer-related deaths in the same year, 71.2 percent, or approximately 6.9 million deaths, affected this age group. Despite these figures, healthcare systems remain insufficiently equipped to address the unique challenges faced by older adults with cancer. Key gaps include limited age-appropriate research, inadequate treatment guidelines, and a shortage of specialized training in geriatric oncology.
SIOG Consortium: Bridging Gaps in Geriatric Oncology
The SIOG Consortium is designed to address these challenges by uniting healthcare professionals, researchers, and organizations worldwide. Its mission is to advance clinical practice, develop specialized educational programs, and drive research focused on the needs of older adults with cancer. Through collaboration, SIOG seeks to establish global standards for geriatric oncology, ensuring older patients receive care tailored to their age-specific health profiles.
Working Groups and Strategic Focus
Members of the SIOG Consortium have the opportunity to propose working group topics, which are approved by the Steering Committee. These groups explore areas such as standardization and alignment with global stakeholders, clinical research design, drug formulation enhancements, care protocols, and regulatory affairs. By contributing to these initiatives, participating organizations actively shape the evolution of geriatric oncology practice and policy.
Why Organizations Should Join
Joining the SIOG Consortium positions organizations as leaders in a rapidly evolving field. Members can contribute to the development of clinical guidelines, support cutting-edge research, and engage with a global network of professionals dedicated to improving care for older adults. Partnership with SIOG also offers opportunities for enhanced understanding of patient needs, more effective clinical trial design, regulatory guidance, market expansion, collaborative research, and influence on policy and reimbursement models. Aligning with SIOG’s mission reflects a commitment to ethical, patient-centered care while strengthening an organization’s visibility and reputation in the global healthcare community.
About SIOG
Founded in 2000 and registered under Swiss law in 2012, the International Society of Geriatric Oncology is a multidisciplinary society comprising doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and scientists with expertise in oncology, geriatrics, and supportive care. SIOG has over 1,000 members across more than 84 countries. The organization focuses on advancing education, clinical practice, and research in geriatric oncology, with the goal of optimizing treatment and care for older adults with cancer.
Written by Nare Hovhannisyan, MD