The International Society of Geriatric Oncology Conference: Paris 2011

Abstract

The 11th meeting of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) was held in Paris on 4–5 November 2011. Founded in the year 2000, SIOG is dedicated to the education of physicians about the care of the older cancer patient. The International Society of Geriatric Oncology has a number of activities, including task forces that have published important position statements about various aspects of Geriatric Oncology care: chemotherapy, renal dysfunction, surgery, geriatric assessment and others. There is also a national representatives group whose role is to stimulate interest in geriatric oncology in their respective countries. Age is one of the most important risk factors for cancer: given the aging of the world population, we are facing a major epidemiologic challenge. The goal of SIOG is to foster the development of health professionals in the field of geriatric oncology, in order to optimize treatment of older adults with cancer. It promotes efforts in training, research, policy and care to support this mission. At the initiative of Martine Extermann, 2009–2010 SIOG President, a monograph presenting the SIOG 10 Priorities was published in 2011 in collaboration with SIOG National Representatives. SIOG is a multidisciplinary society and the annual conference is the leading conference for experts in the field to interact and share their results.