Symptoms, symptom beliefs, and quality of life of older breast cancer survivors: a comparative study.
OBJECTIVE
To compare symptoms, symptom beliefs, and quality of life (QOL) of older breast cancer survivors to those of older women without breast cancer.


METHODS
Descriptive, correlational study.


METHODS
Urban and rural communities in the Midwest United States.


METHODS
18 breast cancer survivors and 24 women without breast cancer, older than age 64 (X age = 76 years).


METHODS
In-home interviews using structured instruments.


METHODS
Symptom distress (number of and distress from symptoms), symptom beliefs, chronic health problems, and QOL.


RESULTS
No group differences existed in demographic characteristics, symptom number, symptom bother, chronic health conditions, or QOL. Women in both groups most often attributed the cause of their symptoms to aging, chronic illness, or unknown, but rarely to breast cancer. Attributing symptoms to chronic illness or breast cancer was significantly related to more pain, depression, role impairment, and poorer mental health. Not knowing the cause of symptoms was significantly related to poorer social functioning, mental health, and purpose in life; less energy; and higher levels of depression and anxiety.


CONCLUSIONS
The symptom experience and QOL of older breast cancer survivors are similar to those of older women with other chronic health problems. Beliefs about symptoms influence QOL in older women.


CONCLUSIONS
A broader assessment of symptoms is needed to assist older breast cancer survivors with symptom management. Symptom interventions in older women should address patients' beliefs about symptoms if QOL is to be enhanced.
Heidrich
Susan M
SM
School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin--Madison, USA. smheidrich@wisc.edu
Egan
Judith J
JJ
Hengudomsub
Pornpat
P
Randolph
Shanna M
SM
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D003248:Constipation / Q000209:etiology; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D015146:Midwestern United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000209:etiology; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012016:Reference Values; D012044:Regression Analysis; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015430:Weight Gain; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000209:etiology