Understanding and Addressing Social Frailty in Radiotherapy

Woods, Jeni; Higgins, Robert; Spacey, Adam

Abstract

Age is a significant risk factor for cancer. By 2040, older people will account for 77% of all people living with cancer. There has been much research undertaken to identify the needs of older adults living with cancer and how best to improve clinical outcomes and care amongst this cohort.

Frailty is common in older adults living with cancer. Frailty is considered multidimensional, incorporating physical, psychological, cognitive, and social domains. Older adults living with frailty and cancer are vulnerable to poorer outcomes, such as survival and quality of life.

National and international geriatric oncology guidelines advocate for frailty screening within oncology pathways. Yet, such frailty screening tools predominantly focus on physical characteristics of frailty. This is despite growing evidence suggesting the influence of social factors, such as social support, social isolation, and socio-economic factors on cancer outcomes for older adults. This thereby indicates the need to consider the concept of social frailty in cancer care pathways.

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: UK Imaging and Oncology (UKIO) 2025
• Start Date: Jun 2, 2025
• End Date: Jun 4, 2025
• Acceptance Date: Mar 20, 2025
• Deposit Date: May 29, 2025
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed