Older people with cancer often have a varying range of specific but fluctuating physical, psychological, emotional, social, economic and spiritual needs. To be able to participate in decision-making, they need optimal communication with healthcare professionals and accurate information from them. A systematic review of the literature explored the communication and information needs of older people with cancer. It appeared that these needs are not always addressed and that older people’s priorities are not always recognised. Barriers to addressing older people’s information and communication needs included personality traits and age-related functional decline, the effects of cancer on the person, a lack of time on the part of healthcare professionals and the absence of a main contact within the healthcare team. To meet the communication and information needs of older people with cancer it is crucial to adopt a person-centred approach.