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Specificities of cancer in the elderly calls for a systematic oncogeriatric evaluation. The purpose of this global assessment, which takes into account characteristics both of the disease and of the patient’s physiology, is to screen for frailty and anticipate complications. Evaluation of the cancer, and evaluation of the elderly patient’s functional status both rest on objective, clinical and biological, criteria with inter-individual reproducibility. Argumentation for therapeutic decisions should also rest on respect of ethical principles. The «oncogeriatric approach» thus contributes to risk/benefit analysis that allows adaptation of cancer treatment and organisation of support care in a manner that promotes security and optimal symptom management.The principles of this global approach can be transposed to the young adult, where they contribute to the identification of vulnerability criteria, especially in cases of refractory disease or co-morbidities, when functional capacities are exhausted and impose a reevaluation of the indications for invasive investigations, treatments, or supporting care.Extending «geriatric culture» to all frail patients is an element of progress in the care of patients at high risk of multiple organ failure who cannot be included in clinical trials.