In Brazil, the elderly population presents the fastest growing segment in proportional terms and according to World Health Organization, the global impact of cancer more than doubled in 30 years. National estimates of 2010, which will be also valid for 2011, show the occurrence of 489,270 new cases. Although the link between cancer and senectude be complex and fundamental questions remain unanswered, it is expected that these indicators will increase even more with the progressive aging of the population. In this context, it is necessary to develop an interaction between oncology and geriatrics, in order to promote the evaluation of elderly patients with cancer individually, in its multiple dimensions, focusing on their comorbidities, functional status, level of dependence and the physiological factors related to senescence that limit treatment to develop the best therapeutic regimen for each patient in an interdisciplinary way, ensuring equal access to quality care.</p
