COSA has identified a need for a strategic and focussed approach to managing cancer in older people in Australia. In 2008 COSA members with a particular interest in Geriatric Oncology formed to actively progress key priorities.
Once canvassed, within the COSA membership there emerged a large number of health professionals with similar interest in the improved management of the elderly diagnosed with cancer. COSA supports it members in progressing a strategic and focused approach to improving the management of the older patient diagnosed with cancer in Australia.
Since 2008 it has coordinated a number of workshops and meetings with the aim of:
- Raising awareness of the issues
- Progressing the work on validating a geriatric oncology tool which meets the needs of health professionals working in cancer care in Australia
- Facilitating collaboration among its members interested in clinical trial research
- Fostering a combined geriatric oncology training and encourages trainees to lead research in this area
COSA brings together medical oncologists, surgeons, nurses, epidemiologists, researchers, geriatricians, gerontologists, pharmacologists and allied health professionals interested in the management of our elderly cancer patients.
Geriatric Oncology Steering Committee
The Steering Committee is chaired by Dr Christopher Steer (Border Medical Oncology, Victoria) with membership from around Australia. It includes medical oncologists, surgeons, geriatricians, pharmacists, nurses & onco-geriatric trainees.
In 2011 the Interest Group formed a Research Sub-Committee led by Professor Jane Phillips, Palliative Nursing, School of Nursing, The University of Notre Dame, Australia. This Committee aims to:
- Identify gaps in knowledge/evidence and advocate for research in these areas
- Provide an opportunity for COSA members to be actively involved with important research issues associated with cancer in the elderly
- Foster collaboration to optimise research in the Australian setting
We welcome membership and participation by all health professionals. COSA members have access to our web-based forum to contribute to discussion and activities and other resources.
For more information about this group or to become a member please contact cosa@cancer.org.au or call 02 8063 4100.
