The psychosocial impact of cancer on older versus younger patients and their families

Abstract

Past studies of the psychosocial aspects of cancer have been largely descriptive, with little discussion of differences among cancer patients. Age differences have been noted repeatedly in studies of the effects of various cancer treatments. To determine whether age differences are also present the prevalence of various psychosocial problems often associated with cancer, analyses of data obtained from several different studies of Rhode Island cancer patients' psychosocial conditions were conducted, comparing the responses of older and younger patients. Psychosocial factors examined included multiple measures of functional quality of life, emotional well‐being, social consequences, knowledge and use of formal services, and familial reactions. The studies examined included newly diagnosed patients and those undergoing outpatient radiation or chemotherapy for recurrent disease. Except in functional status measures, older persons with cancer manifested fewer and less severe psychosocial problems. The authors contend that older patients have fewer competing demands on their time and resources than do younger patients. This, along with different expectations, may mitigate the negative impact of the specific psychosocial consequences of the disease and its treatment.

Physical and psychosocial outcomes in cancer patients: a comparison of different age groups

“…Previous studies have suggested that age is related positively to emotional functioning (Vinokur et al, 1990;Ganz et al, 1992;Moor et al, 1994). In this sample, older individuals did not have better scores on the subscale psychological well-being, as measured by the QOL-CA scale, than younger patients.…”

“…In contrast, Vinokur et al (1990) identified age in women with breast cancer (Lauria, 1991). Improved emotional responses and fewer rehabilitation problems were found in older rather than in younger cancer patients (Vinokur et al, 1990;Ganz et al, 1992;Moor et al, 1994).…”

“…These studies revealed that age is a poor predictor for survival (Vinokur et al, 1990;Ganz et al, 1992), as well as for psychosocial well-being in cancer patients (Goodwin et al, 1991;Moor et al, 1994). In contrast, Vinokur et al (1990) identified age in women with breast cancer (Lauria, 1991).…”

Social problems in oncology

“…This pattern has been observed in a study investigating psychosocial concerns (Harrison and Maguire, 1995) and one looking into unmet need (Mor et al, 1994). Younger people may have to cope with demands from a wide range of life domains including employment and child care which are less likely to be of significance to the older age groups.…”

Cancer and caregiving: the impact on the caregiver's health

“…Sociodemographic characteristics include variables like age, gender, living situation, type of relationship, and socioeconomic status of both the care recipient and caregiver. Relatively consistent findings were reported regarding gender (Zarit and Toseland, 1986;Barusch and Spaid, 1989;Miller and Cafasso, 1992), age (Mor et al, 1994), co-residence and the type of relationship between the care recipient and caregiver (Horowitz, 1985;George and Gwyther, 1986;Young and Kahana, 1989).Women, especially those at a younger age, tend to perceive caregiving as more negative than (older) men and report higher levels of psychological distress (Zarit et al, 1989;Blood et al, 1994), even if the amount of care provided and/or the level of patient's health is controlled (Horowitz, 1985). Compared to other informal caregivers, female caregivers and partners are identified as the most vulnerable group of caregivers.…”