Inclusion of older adults in national cancer control and non-communicable disease plans: a global analysis.

Background

National cancer control plans and non-communicable disease strategies are key instruments to guide cancer policy and resource allocation. However, the extent to which these frameworks explicitly address older adults remains unclear.

Methods

We conducted a structured content analysis of national cancer control plans and non-communicable disease strategies identified through the International Cancer Control Partnership database. Plans were screened for inclusion of older adult-specific provisions, including explicit mention, age-specific interventions, geriatric assessment, workforce training, and access considerations. Plans were further classified based on the depth of inclusion. Descriptive analyses and Fisher's exact tests were used.

Results

Among 156 plans, 18 (11.6%) included older adult-specific policies. These were more frequently observed in Europe. Only seven plans contained a dedicated chapter on older adults, and six included specific geriatric oncology implementation components. In most cases, older adults were mentioned only as a vulnerable population without detailed strategies. No significant differences were observed based on plan type, region, or income level.

Conclusions

Older adults are infrequently and inconsistently incorporated into national cancer policy frameworks. Greater attention to aging within cancer control strategies is needed to ensure alignment with demographic trends and evolving care needs.