Geriatric oncologist YaoYao Pollock, M.D., supports seniors through the cancer journey

A close relationship with her grandparents growing up was part of the inspiration for  YaoYao Pollock, M.D., to take an interest in caring for older adults. Dr. Pollock first trained in geriatrics and was drawn to oncology when she saw that the specialized needs of senior cancer patients were often sidelined.  

“When I first discovered the field of geriatric oncology, it was very new,” says Dr. Pollock.  “Today it’s become a well-recognized subspecialty within the field of oncology.”  

On the Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital team for three years, Dr. Pollock chose to practice community medicine rather than a career in research. “I wanted to bring geriatric oncology to a community setting,” she says. “The oncologists here are amazing. I have great mentors and co-workers. When I joined, this was already a well-rounded and well-supported clinic. Because of the aging population in Sonoma County, I feel I can make an impact here.”  

Finding the right approach  

According to Dr. Pollock, treating geriatric cancer patients, those over 65, requires an understanding of how people age differently.  “We look at functional age rather than chronological age. You can have a frail 75-year-old who may not tolerate a therapy that works well for a fit 90-year-old.” 

Finding the right treatment approach is very individualized in other ways. Dr. Pollock works to balance helping patients maintain independence and quality of life while providing life-prolonging cancer treatment. “When we decide on therapies, we find out what our patients want for their lives,” she shares. “Some people are solely focused on quality of life for the time they have remaining while others want us to do everything we can to extend life.”  

Dr. Pollock finds deep meaning and satisfaction in her work. “I love oncology because patients need someone who cares about what they want, who will listen to their wishes, and who will be there to hold their hand. This is a life-changing diagnosis, but I’m here to help walk them through it. It’s very rewarding to be with patients during this time, and it’s a really important role in health care.”  

Dr. Pollock praises the team of physicians for creating an environment of collaboration and shares how important that was for her. “When I met with the group here, I saw right away that the oncologists were amazing,” she said. “They are great mentors, great co-workers, and extremely intelligent. Our team also consists of amazing nurses, social workers, nutritionists, navigators and palliative care providers, who work together to provide the best cancer care that focuses on the whole person.”