BACKGROUND: The majority of cancer survivors are aged ≥ 65 years, yet, historically, cancer research has focused infrequently on older patients. The objective of this study was to examine predictors of physical function within a framework that integrates the gerontologic and oncologic needs of older cancer survivors. METHODS: Path analysis tested 759 women who were breast cancer survivors aged ≥ 70 years from the American Cancer Society Study of Cancer Survivors II to examine the cancer, aging, and personal characteristics that had an impact on symptoms and physical functioning. RESULTS: High levels of symptom bother (β = -.42) and comorbidities (β = -.21) were strongly associated with lower physical function. Comorbidity and social support (β = .21) indirectly influenced symptom bother through emotional status (β = -.35). The model demonstrated good fit with the data (chi-square statistic, 50.6; adjusted chi-square statistic, 2.8; P < .001; goodness-of-fit index, .98; root mean square error of approximation, .049 [confidence interval, .03-.05]). CONCLUSIONS: The current findings supported prior research indicating that the majority of older survivors of breast cancer are doing well, but there is a subset of survivors that requires ongoing attention to symptoms, comorbidities, emotional health, and social support to thrive after cancer treatment.
BACKGROUND: The majority of cancer survivors are aged ≥ 65 years, yet, historically, cancer research has focused infrequently on older patients. The objective of this study was to examine predictors of physical function within a framework that integrates the gerontologic and oncologic needs of older cancer survivors. METHODS: Path analysis tested 759 women who were breast cancer survivors aged ≥ 70 years from the American Cancer Society Study of Cancer Survivors II to examine the cancer, aging, and personal characteristics that had an impact on symptoms and physical functioning. RESULTS: High levels of symptom bother (β = -.42) and comorbidities (β = -.21) were strongly associated with lower physical function. Comorbidity and social support (β = .21) indirectly influenced symptom bother through emotional status (β = -.35). The model demonstrated good fit with the data (chi-square statistic, 50.6; adjusted chi-square statistic, 2.8; P < .001; goodness-of-fit index, .98; root mean square error of approximation, .049 [confidence interval, .03-.05]). CONCLUSIONS: The current findings supported prior research indicating that the majority of older survivors of breast cancer are doing well, but there is a subset of survivors that requires ongoing attention to symptoms, comorbidities, emotional health, and social support to thrive after cancer treatment.
Authors: Ryan J Marker; Emily Cox-Martin; Catherine M Jankowski; W Thomas Purcell; John C Peters Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2017-12-21 Impact factor: 3.603
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Authors: Luiz Felipe Nevola Teixeira; Visnu Lohsiriwat; Mario Casales Schorr; Alberto Luini; Viviana Galimberti; Mario Rietjens; Cristina Garusi; Sara Gandini; Luis Otavio Zanatta Sarian; Fabio Sandrin; Maria Claudia Simoncini; Paolo Veronesi Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2014-02-04 Impact factor: 3.603