Cancer care for older adults just got a major resource upgrade. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has released new free patient guidelines tailored specifically for adults aged 65 and older diagnosed with cancer. The resource, developed from NCCN's clinical practice guidelines, is designed to help patients and caregivers understand how to personalize cancer treatment based on individual health status—not chronological age.

The guidelines stress that aging looks very different from person to person. Factors like memory function, physical ability, fall risk, and interactions with other medications all play a role in shaping the right treatment plan. The resource also addresses how to support patients with cognitive challenges and encourages open conversations between patients and their care teams.

Key Takeaways:

• Guidelines are geared toward patients 65+, but may also apply to younger patients with complex medical needs
• Assessment tools are included to help guide individualized treatment decisions
• Available for free in English and Spanish at NCCN.org/patientguidelines or via the NCCN Patient Guides for Cancer App
• Part of a broader library of 75+ NCCN patient resources covering nearly every cancer type

Why it matters: As advances in cardiology and infectious disease extend lifespans, more people are facing cancer at older ages. These guidelines give patients and caregivers a practical, accessible tool to advocate for care that fits their unique situation—potentially improving outcomes and quality of life.