International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG)

Founded in 2000, the International Society of Geriatric Oncology also known as SIOG (French acronym for Societé Internationale d’Oncologie Gériatrique) is a medical association specialising in the field of geriatric oncology. It was established by its founding members specifically for the optimisation of treatment of older adults with cancer. SIOG was registered as a non-profit organisation under the Swiss Law in 2012.

Mission & Vision:
The goal of SIOG is to strenghten the capacity of health professionals in the field of geriatric oncology, in order to optimise treatment of older adults with cancer.

SIOG operates via 3 strategic directions:
Education :
• Disseminate knowledge in order to maintain a high common standard of healthcare in older cancer patients
• Integrate geriatric oncology in the curricula for medical and nursing education to ensure a high standard of qualification for healthcare professionals
• Address the shortage of specialist oncologists/geriatricians & allied health staff in geriatric oncology
• Increase public awareness of the worldwide cancer in the elderly epidemic
Clinical practice:
• Integrate geriatric evaluation (including comorbidities) into oncology decision-making and guidelines Improve the quality of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of older patients with malignancies
• Address issues of access to care, including the needs of the caregiver
• Develop interdisciplinary geriatric oncology clinics
Research :
• Develop, test and disseminate easy screening tools
• Create a clear and operational definition of vulnerability/frailty applicable to oncology
• Increase the relevance of clinical trials for older patients
• Improve research in the field of geriatric oncology
• Promote multidisciplinary, basic/translational research on the interface of aging and cancer