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 (beta = -.42) and comorbidities (beta = -.21) were strongly associated with lower physical function. Comorbidity and social support (beta = .21) indirectly influenced symptom bother through emotional status (beta = -.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. Cancer 2012;118:6171-8. (C) 2012 American Cancer Society.