title: Age Differences in Cancer Treatment Decision Making and Social Support.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to examine the decision-making (DM) styles of younger (18-39 years), middle-aged (40-59 years), and older (≥60 years) cancer survivors, the type and role of social support, and patient satisfaction with cancer treatment DM.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adult cancer survivors ( N = 604) were surveyed using Qualtrics online software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Older adults reported significantly lower influence of support on DM than younger adults. The most common DM style for the age groups was collaborative DM with their doctors. Younger age was a significant predictor of independent ( p < .05), collaborative with family ( p < .001), delegated to doctor ( p < .01), delegated to family ( p < .001), and demanding ( p < .001) DM styles.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite having lower received social support in cancer treatment DM, older adults were more satisfied with their DM than younger and middle-aged adults. Health care workers should be aware of different DM styles and influence of social networks to help facilitate optimal patient DM and satisfaction.
authors: 1 The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA.
authors: Jessica L
authors: JL
authors: Krok-Schoen
authors: 2 University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA.
authors: Angela L
authors: AL
authors: Palmer-Wackerly
authors: 1 The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA.
authors: Phokeng M
authors: PM
authors: Dailey
authors: 1 The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA.
authors: Julianne C
authors: JC
authors: Wojno
authors: 3 University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
authors: Janice L
authors: JL
authors: Krieger
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: age differences; decision making; older adults; social support