The effect of aging and cancer on the symptom experience and physical function of elderly breast cancer survivors.
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.
Georgia Baptist College of Nursing, Mercer University, Atlanta, Georgia 30360, USA. lmbellury@gmail.com
Lanell
L
Bellury
Marjorie A
MA
Pett
Lee
L
Ellington
Susan L
SL
Beck
Jane C
JC
Clark
Kevin D
KD
Stein
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life; D012944:Social Support; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D063189:Symptom Assessment