On December 26, 2025 (Friday) at 18:00, the Department of Adult and Cancer Nursing held a cancer nursing seminar on the theme of supporting older cancer patients with dementia. The seminar was offered in both in-person and online formats, and despite the busy year-end season, 29 nursing professionals participated.

We invited Mr. Masayoshi Chinen, Certified Nurse Specialist in Cancer Nursing at Shizuoka Cancer Center, who provided up-to-date information on cancer treatment for older adults. He also discussed, using case examples, practical approaches to supporting decision-making, treatment continuation, and daily living for older cancer patients with dementia.

Participants raised questions regarding collaboration with physicians in treatment decision-making for older cancer patients with dementia, as well as coordination and team-based practices between outpatient and inpatient settings. These exchanges led to meaningful and productive discussions.

Participants raised questions regarding collaboration with physicians in treatment decision-making for older cancer patients with dementia, as well as coordination and team-based practices between outpatient and inpatient settings. These exchanges led to meaningful and productive discussions.

Post-seminar survey responses included comments such as:

• “With so many older adults and patients with dementia, I often feel uneasy about how their wishes are overlooked simply because of limited understanding of their condition. Today’s seminar was very informative.”

• “I learned about ethical coordination in decision-making support for patients with dementia, as well as the various assessment perspectives needed for such coordination.”

• “I had not been fully aware that being diagnosed with dementia can sometimes place patients at a disadvantage in treatment. Decision-making support should not lead to the assumption that patients with dementia no longer need treatment.”

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Masayoshi Chinen for his invaluable contribution to this seminar. This seminar was held as part of the Training Program for Next-Generation Health Professionals with Cancer Care in Kyushu.

Our department remains committed to promoting practical knowledge and delivering clear, accessible information to support cancer nursing practice.