Journal of Patient Experience (Dec 2020)

Prospective Analysis of Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults With Cancer

  • Coeli Regina Carneiro Ximenes PhD,
  • Anke Bergmann PhD,
  • Jurema Telles de Oliveira Lima PhD,
  • Wigna Rayssa Pereira Lima MSc,
  • Murilo Carlos de Britto PhD,
  • Maria Júlia Gonçalves de Mello PhD,
  • Luiz Claudio Santos Thuler PhD

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/2374373519889246
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7

Abstract

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Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) changes at 6 to 12 months after cancer diagnosis and to assess the impact of age in older adults with cancer. Methods: A cohort study using patients ≥60 years old diagnosed with cancer. Health-related quality of life scores were calculated according to the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaire. Student’s t tests for paired samples and a binomial logistic regression were performed. Results: The study included 241 patients. At diagnosis, the affected HRQoL functions were physical and emotional functions, financial difficulties, pain, and insomnia. At follow-up, cognitive function ( P < .001) and dyspnea ( P = .004) worsened, while emotional function improved ( P = .003). Discussion: At the 6 to 12 months of follow-up, older adult cancer patients showed worsening cognitive function and dyspnea and improved emotional function. These HRQoL changes were not associated with age.