title: Symptom Experience in Older Adults Undergoing Treatment for Cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the symptom experience of older adults receiving cancer chemotherapy in an outpatient treatment setting. .
  
  
  METHODS
  Exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  A community cancer center in the southeastern United States. .
  
  
  METHODS
  100 adults aged 65 years or older undergoing treatment for cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected from participants at a chemotherapy treatment visit using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to examine data.  T tests and analysis of variance were used to compare symptoms among groups, and Pearson correlations were used to examine relationships among variables.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cancer treatment-related symptoms, comorbid illnesses, mental health function, and physical function. .
  
  
  RESULTS
  Older adults experience a high number of cancer  treatment-related symptoms with moderate severity. The most common symptoms included fatigue, bowel disturbances, lack of appetite, hair loss, and drowsiness. Numbness and tingling were the most severe symptoms experienced. The presence of comorbid illness and poor mental functioning affects the number of symptoms experienced.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Opportunities exist for clinicians to take steps to assess and manage symptoms common to older adults before serious complications and negative outcomes occur. Future research is needed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nurses should consider comorbidities and poor mental functioning in older adults when assessing treatment-related symptoms. Being proactive and assessing and managing symptoms early during treatment may improve outcomes for older patients. .
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Wochna Loerzel
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D063189:Symptom Assessment
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents
keywords: adverse effects; cancer; mental health; older adults; physical functioning