Changes in fatigue and physical function with age for patients with gastrointestinal cancer in the perioperative period: a comparison between older and young patients

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine changes in fatigue and physical function with age for groups of patients with gastrointestinal cancer in the perioperative period. [Subjects and Methods] The study involved 52 patients with gastrointestinal cancer (28 males and 24 females, aged 62.4 ± 12.0 years). The subjects were divided into two groups: those 65 or over (the so-called elderly group,) and those 64 or under (the so-called young group). The six minute walk distance (6MWD), Cancer Fatigue Scale (CFS), and serum albumin (ALB) were evaluated on three occasions: before surgery, after surgery and after discharge. This study considered change in physical function and fatigue, differences between the two groups and correlations between age and each evaluation on the three occasions. [Results] The 6MWD was the main difference between the elderly and young groups, with the former having significantly reduced 6MWD values as compared to the latter after surgery. Age was positively correlated with 6MWD and ALB after surgery and after discharge. Moreover, age was negatively correlated with CFS after surgery and after discharge. [Conclusion] It is suggested that elderly patients are more likely to experience a decline in exercise tolerance and an increase in fatigue.

Relationship between hope and fatigue levels in cancer patients

“…Although there was no statistically significant difference in the study, mean fatigue scores of the individuals graduated from primary school. Our findings are consistent with the literature (16)(17).…”

“…In our study, the difference between mean score of hope level and gender, age, marital status, educational status and employment was not statistically significant. In literature, although women are reported to be more disadvantaged than males in situations, such as mood disorders, depression and self-annihilation (19), there are also studies indicating no gender difference in terms of hope (16)(17). Our findings are consistent with the literature (20).…”

“…In the study, the difference between mean fatigue score and the cancer type, the time after the diagnosis and mean scores of treatment methods of the patients were not significant. Our finding was consistent with finding Kagure (17). Although there was no statistically significant difference, it was determined that mean fatigue scores of patients with lung cancer were higher.…”

Does age of patients with gastrointestinal cancer impact postoperative physical function and quality of life? A prospective study using the new Japanese elderly standard

“…We observed exercise capacity and physical functioning reduced post-surgery ( Table 2 ), with significant differences between the new Japanese elderly standard age groups. This is consistent with previous studies linking this to an age effect 3 , 4 , 11 , 12 ) . This suggests that this new Japanese elderly standard captures the age-related reduction in exercise capacity in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.…”

“…Previous work around the world has shown that aging of patients with gastrointestinal cancer increases perioperative risk factors, such as onset of postoperative complications 1 , 2 ) , reduces postoperative health-related quality of life (HRQOL) 3 ) and also reduced physical function after surgery 4 ) . The International Society of Geriatric Oncology and National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommend the incorporation of geriatric assessment in treatment planning 5 , 6 , 7 ) .…”