Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Geriatric oncology in India is still in infancy. With the aging population emerging as one of the most significant global demographic shifts, primarily driven by increased life expectancy, increasing incidence of cancer among older adults is concerning. Further age-related comorbidities, treatment intolerance, and toxicities often affect treatment decisions for older cancer patients. Punjab being labeled as cancer capital of India must have dedicated registry for such patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One year retrospective observational study to evaluate the spectrum of malignancies in elderly population was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Punjab. RESULTS: Out of 955 cancer cases, 608 (63.6%) were in individuals aged 60 and above, with 326 (53.6%) cases in males and 282 (46.4%) cases in females. A significant gender difference was noted, with higher breast cancer prevalence in women ( n = 85, 30.1%) and hematolymphoid cancers ( n = 97, 29.7%) in men. CONCLUSION: With the aging population, there is a critical need for cancer prevention, screening, and treatment strategies for the elderly, addressing age- and gender-specific risk factors for better outcomes in geriatric oncology.