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Clinical calculator summary

G8 Geriatric Screening Tool

An eight-item vulnerability screen derived largely from nutritional and functional assessment.

Evidence-based context for fast calculator use

Purpose:
Identify older adults who may benefit from comprehensive geriatric assessment
Population:
Older adults with cancer undergoing treatment planning
Factors:
Nutrition, Weight loss, Mobility, Neuropsychology, BMI, Medicines, Self-rated health, Age
Reference:
Bellera et al., Ann Oncol. 2012
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G8 Screening Tool

Clinical Context & Background

The G8 screening tool is an 8-item questionnaire derived from the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). It is sensitive for detecting impairments in geriatric domains. A low score suggests vulnerability and indicates the need for a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA).
Primary Source EvidenceBellera CA, Rainfray M, Mathoulin-Pélissier S, et al. Screening older cancer patients: first evaluation of the G-8 geriatric screening tool. Ann Oncol. 2012;23(8):2166-2172.
Formula Logic
Sum of 8 items (0-17 points). Cut-off ≤ 14 is abnormal.

Reference Data

Total ScoreInterpretationAction
0 - 14Impaired / VulnerableFull Geriatric Assessment (CGA) needed.
15 - 17Normal / FitStandard oncologic care.

Clinical Workflow

Use, Interpret, And Continue The Patient Pathway

Expand for workflow guidance, limitations, examples, and related next steps.

When To Use

  • Use early in treatment planning for an older adult when a rapid vulnerability screen is needed.
  • Use only when the patient and clinical setting match the population described for G8 Geriatric Screening Tool.

How To Interpret

  • A score of 14 or less is commonly considered abnormal and supports comprehensive geriatric assessment rather than a frailty diagnosis by itself.
  • Interpret thresholds with the entered units, current clinical status, and local guideline context.

What To Do Next

  • Assess function, cognition, nutrition, comorbidity, medicines, falls, mood, and social support in greater depth when screening is abnormal.
  • Document the inputs, result, clinical judgment, and any reason for deviating from the model-guided pathway.

Limitations

  • A normal G8 does not exclude every vulnerability, and an abnormal result does not automatically contraindicate treatment.
  • This calculator supports clinical assessment and does not independently prescribe treatment.

Validated Population

Older adults with cancer undergoing treatment planning

Clinical example

Weight loss, reduced intake, polypharmacy, and mobility limitation can lower the G8 and trigger a full geriatric assessment before treatment finalization.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is G8 Geriatric Screening Tool used for?

Identify older adults who may benefit from comprehensive geriatric assessment. It is intended for older adults with cancer undergoing treatment planning.

Does G8 Geriatric Screening Tool determine treatment by itself?

No. Confirm the population, inputs, contraindications, competing risks, and current guideline recommendations before acting on the result.

Evidence-based oncology decision support. Verify with clinical guidelines.