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The effect of aging and cancer on the symptom experience and physical function of elderly breast cancer survivors
Author(s) -
Bellury Lanell,
Pett Marjorie A.,
Ellington Lee,
Beck Susan L.,
Clark Jane C.,
Stein Kevin D.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/cncr.27656
Subject(s) - medicine , breast cancer , cancer , gerontology , oncology
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. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.