Health profiles of younger and older breast cancer survivors

Abstract

BACKGROUND.Over the past several decades, the incidence of prolonged survival after a diagnosis of cancer has increased; however, little is known regarding the long‐term health profiles of cancer survivors in general and of breast cancer survivors in particular. To obtain more information concerning the consequences of surviving breast cancer, the authors conducted a large‐scale health survey of patients who had been treated for the disease at their institution.METHODS.A descriptive analysis of information was provided by cancer survivors. Of the breast cancer survivors who were studied, 695 women were age <45 years, 580 women were between ages 46 years and 54 years, and 655 women were age > 55 years at the time of diagnosis. Their medical and psychosocial responses were analyzed and compared with those of age‐matched responders in a national survey.RESULTS.Younger breast cancer survivors received chemotherapy more often than older survivors and were more likely to report memory loss and that cancer had affected their overall health adversely. Several other differences in physiologic and psychosocial characteristics, such as interpersonal relationships, also emerged.CONCLUSIONS.Physiologic and psychosocial differences distinguished younger breast cancer survivors from older breast cancer survivors. The findings of this study suggested that a systematic analysis of cancer survivors is needed to understand their unique health profiles and needs. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.

Health profiles of older women cancer survivors

“…Analysis of these data has allowed us to report on the long-term effects of cancer such as hearing loss [14], diabetes [13] and cataracts [15], and the influence of ethnicity [11] on survivorship. We have also been able to study survivorship in specific groups, such as survivors of thyroid cancer [12], melanoma [16], and breast cancer [17,18].…”

Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology, Version 2.2018, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

“…185 Psychological distress is significantly greater among AYAs compared with older adults. [194][195][196][197][198] In a longitudinal study that assessed the prevalence of psychological distress in 215 AYA patients with cancer (15-39 years of age) during the first year after diagnosis, distress symptoms exceeded population norms at the time of diagnosis and at 12-month follow-up. 195 In this study, 12% of AYA patients reported clinically significant chronic distress throughout the first 12 months after diagnosis and an additional 15% reported delayed distress.…”

Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology

“…84 Recent studies suggest that the rates of psychological distress are significantly greater among AYAs compared with older adults. [89][90][91] Kazak et al 92 recently reported that intensive cancer treatments during adolescence are associated with inferior psychosocial outcomes and health beliefs in survivors compared with their age-matched peers. Psychological problems are also associated with an increased risk for obesity and poor heath behavior, which may increase future risk for chronic health conditions and secondary neoplasms.…”