Relationship between income and concerns about physical changes and help-seeking by older adult cancer survivors: a secondary analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Globally, the number of older adults surviving cancer is anticipated to grow rapidly over the next decades. Cancer and its treatment can leave survivors with a myriad of challenges including physical changes which impact independence and quality of life. This project explored the relationship of income level with concerns and help-seeking for physical changes following treatment in older Canadian survivors of cancer. METHODS: A Canada-wide survey of community-dwelling survivors of cancer explored their experiences with survivorship care one to three years following completion of treatment. A secondary trend analysis examined the relationship of income with older adults' level of concern and help-seeking experiences regarding physical consequences they attributed to their cancer treatment. RESULTS: In total, 7,975 people aged 65 years and older who survived cancer responded to the survey, of whom 5,891 (73.9%) indicated annual household income. Prostate (31.3%), colorectal (22.7%) and breast (21.8%) cancer accounted for the majority of respondents. Of those who reported household income data, over 90% wrote about the impact of physical changes following treatment, their concerns about the changes, and whether they sought help for their concerns. The most frequently identified physical challenge was fatigue (63.7%). Older survivors with low annual household incomes of less than $CA25,000 reported the highest levels of concern about multiple physical symptoms. 25% or more of the survey respondents across all income levels reported difficulty finding assistance for their concerns about the physical challenges, especially in their local communities. CONCLUSION: Older survivors of cancer can experience a range of physical changes, amenable to intervention by physical therapy, yet experience challenges obtaining relevant help. Those with low income are more severely affected, even within a universal healthcare system. Financial assessment and tailored follow-up are recommended.

Challenges of Survivorship for Older Adults Diagnosed with Cancer.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this brief review is to highlight significant recent developments in survivorship research and care of older adults following cancer treatment. The aim is to provide insight into care and support needs of older adults during cancer survivorship as well as directions for future research. RECENT FINDINGS: The numbers of older adult cancer survivors are increasing globally. Increased attention to the interaction between age-related and cancer-related concerns before, during, and after cancer treatment is needed to optimize outcomes and quality of life among older adult survivors. Issues of concern to older survivors, and ones associated with quality of life, include physical and cognitive functioning and emotional well-being. Maintaining activities of daily living, given limitations imposed by cancer treatment and other comorbidities, is of primary importance to older survivors. Evidence concerning the influence of income and rurality, experiences in care coordination and accessing services, and effectiveness of interventions remains scant for older adults during survivorship. There is a clear need for further research relating to tailored intervention and health care provider knowledge and education. Emerging issues, such as the use of medical assistance in dying, must be considered in this population.

Mobilizing purpose and passion in oncology nursing care of older adults: From conference workshop to special interest group.

In Canada, 45% of new cancer cases and 63% of cancer deaths occur amongst Canadians 70 years and older. These older people with cancer and their families present particular needs and concerns that often remain under-recognized and unmet. As the number of older Canadians is expected to more than double in the next 25 years, we must integrate understanding of aging into oncology nursing practice, education, policy, and research, developing models of care that optimize appropriate outcomes for older adults. We present the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology (CANO) Oncology and Aging Special Interest Group (SIG), as an initiative to mobilize oncology nurses in addressing these concerns. In an overview of the 2015 CANO conference workshop that launched this group, we highlight practice concerns and priorities identified through interactive discussion with participants. We also describe development of the SIG since 2015, including objectives that will define next steps.

Building and sustaining a postgraduate student network: The experience of oncology nurses in Canada.

Networking with individuals on a similar journey through graduate studies has been identified as an important influence in the experience of doctoral and postdoctoral students. Through the Board of Directors of the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology/Association canadienne des infirmières en oncologie (CANO/ACIO), student members were encouraged to establish a Doctoral Student Network (DSN) that would enable a connection through education and common interest in oncology and cancer care. Since its inception, the DSN has been dynamic in how it has addressed the evolving needs of members and in providing development opportunities to group members. To uncover and describe key aspects of its evolution, a document analysis was undertaken to reveal themes pertaining to capacity development and leadership voice as paths to leadership for DSN members. The results of this study suggest that the DSN provides a supportive environment for postgraduate nurses across Canada to connect with others in their peer group to foster engagement in educational, professional, and scholarly activities, as well as highlighting opportunities for other professional organizations interested in establishing a support network for graduate student members.

Living with cancer and other chronic conditions: Patients' perceptions of their healthcare experience.

Multimorbidity is known to contribute to the complexity of care for patients with cancer. This qualitative study begins to explore cancer patients' experience with multimodal treatments, that is, treatments for multiple chronic conditions, as well as issues related to navigating the healthcare system. Participants (n=10) were recruited from an ambulatory cancer centre in a large, university-affiliated hospital in Montreal, Quebec. Important challenges were reported in terms of striking a fine balance between acute health needs and underlying ongoing chronic condition(s), experiencing unforeseen treatment complications, and negotiating silos across medical specialties. Participants also wished to be better known by the healthcare team. When reporting a positive care coordination experience, participants often attributed it to the intervention by a nurse navigator. Lastly, participants expected a more personalized care approach and would have liked to be included in multidisciplinary board meetings. Study results underscore the impetus to better integrate care across diseases, enhance person-centred care, and support patients who strive to balance competing needs when facing multimorbidity.

The promise of virtual navigation in cancer care: Insights from patients and health care providers.

Virtual navigation (VN) in health care is a proactive process by which patients obtain information and support via Internet resources to manage their illness demands. The objective of this analysis was to explore converging and diverging perspectives of key stakeholders: patients with cancer and Health Care Providers (HCPs), about a cancer-related VN tool called the Oncology Interactive Navigator (OIN™). A qualitative secondary analysis was performed combining data sets from two prior studies exploring perspectives of VN among patients (study 1, n=20) and HCPs (study 2, n=13). An inductive approach was used to explore converging and diverging views across groups. Findings explore how patients' and HCPs' views converge and diverge and the processes necessary to ensure optimal uptake of VN innovations in cancer care.

A Retrospective Age Analysis of the Ambulatory Oncology Patient Satisfaction Survey: Differences in Satisfaction across Dimensions of Person-Centred Care and Unmet Needs among Older Adults Receiving Cancer Treatment.

Over half of all new cancer cases in Alberta are diagnosed among people aged 65+ years, a group that encompasses vast variation. Patient-reported experience measures are routinely collected within Cancer Care Alberta; however, the specific consideration of the needs and concerns of older Albertans with cancer is lacking. In 2021, 2204 adults who had received treatment at a cancer centre in Alberta completed the Ambulatory Oncology Patient Satisfaction Survey (AOPSS). In this study, we explored the age differences in satisfaction across six dimensions of person-centred care and in the proportions of unmet needs across eight types of issues, with specific attention to older adults. Using three age groups (18-39, 40-64, 65+), only the physical comfort dimension showed significantly lower satisfaction among those aged 65+ years. Using five age groups (18-39, 40-64, 65-74, 75-84, 85+), significantly lower levels of satisfaction were found related to 'physical comfort' for those aged 65-74 and 75-84, 'coordination and continuity of care' for those aged 75-84 and 85+, and 'information, communication, and education' for those aged 85+. Therefore, grouping together all older adults aged 65+ years obscured lower levels of satisfaction with some dimensions of person-centred care among those aged 75-84 and 85+ years. Unmet needs generally increased with age for all types of issues, with significant differences across age groups for emotional, financial, social/family, and sexual health issues. The lower levels of satisfaction and higher proportions of unmet needs call for tailored interventions to promote optimal care experiences and outcomes among older adults receiving cancer care in Alberta and their families.

Cost-Utility Analysis of Geriatric Assessment and Management in Older Adults With Cancer: Economic Evaluation Within 5C Trial.

PURPOSE: Geriatric assessment (GA) is a guideline-recommended approach to optimize cancer management in older adults. We conducted a cost-utility analysis alongside the 5C randomized controlled trial to compare GA and management (GAM) plus usual care (UC) against UC alone in older adults with cancer. METHODS: The economic evaluation, conducted from societal and health care payer perspectives, used a 12-month time horizon. The Canadian 5C study randomly assigned patients to receive GAM or UC. Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were measured using the EuroQol five dimension-5L questionnaire and health care utilization using cost diaries and chart reviews. We evaluated the incremental net monetary benefit (INMB) for the full sample and preselected subgroups. RESULTS: A total of 350 patients were included, of whom 173 received GAM and 177 UC. At 12 months, the average QALYs per patient were 0.728 and 0.751 for GAM and UC, respectively (ΔQALY, -0.023 [95% CI, -0.076 to 0.028]). Considering a societal perspective, the total average costs (in 2021 Canadian dollars) per patient were $46,739 and $45,177 for GAM and UC, respectively (ΔCost, $1,563 [95% CI, -$6,583 to $10,403]). At a cost-effectiveness threshold of $50,000/QALY, GAM was not cost-effective compared with UC (INMB, -$2,713 [95% CI, -$11,767 to $5,801]). The INMB was positive ($2,984 [95% CI, -$7,050 to $14,179]; probability of being cost-effective, 72%) for patients treated with curative intent, but remained negative for patients treated with palliative intent (INMB, -$9,909 [95% CI, -$24,436 to $4,153]). Findings were similar considering a health care payer perspective. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first cost-utility analysis of GAM in cancer. GAM was cost-effective for patients with cancer treated with curative but not with palliative intent. The study provides further considerations for future adoption of GAM in practice.

Cancer survivors 75 years and older: physical, emotional and practical needs.

OBJECTIVES: To describe physical, emotional and practical concerns and access to help of Canadian cancer survivors aged 75+ years following treatment. METHODS: A survey was designed to identify concerns and access to help across three supportive care domains for cancer survivors 1-3 years post-treatment. Random samples were drawn from 10 provincial cancer registries. Survey packages were mailed to 40 790 survivors with option to reply by mail or online in French or English. Descriptive analysis was conducted. RESULTS: In total, 3274 (25%) survivors aged 75+ years responded to the survey. Fifty-five per cent were men, 72% had not experienced metastatic spread and 75% reported comorbid conditions. Eighty-one per cent reported experiencing at least one physical concern, 63% experienced at least one emotional concern and 30% experienced at least one practical concern. The most commonly reported concerns were for two physical changes (fatigue 62% and bladder/urinary problems 39%) and one emotional change (anxiety/fear of recurrence 53%). More than 50% did not receive assistance for 15 concerns across the three domains. The most frequently cited reason for not seeking help for a concern was that they were told it was normal and they did not think anything could be done. Unmet needs existed for all physical, emotional and practical changes ranging from 41% to 88% of respondents. CONCLUSIONS: Many older adults are at risk for experiencing physical, emotional and practical concerns following cancer treatment yet are not obtaining help. Action is needed for early identification of these individuals to mitigate the impact of unmet needs for older cancer survivors.

Predictors and effects of toxicity experienced by older adults with cancer receiving systemic therapy in a randomized clinical trial of geriatric assessment.

INTRODUCTION: Older adults represent a large segment of the oncology population, however, they remain underrepresented in clinical research. Treatment of older adults is often extrapolated using data from younger and fitter patients, which may not be appropriate. Furthermore the implications of toxicity from treatment can be greater for this population. Predicting toxicity from treatment and its effect on quality of life and functional status for older adults therefore is important. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed data from a clinical trial of geriatric assessment and management for Canadian elders with cancer (5C study). We assessed whether the baseline Cancer and Aging Research Group (CARG) toxicity score, G8 score, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance predicted grade 3-5 toxicity using logistic regression and pattern mixture models. We also assessed the impact of toxicity on quality of life and functional decline. Patients were followed for six months. RESULTS: Three hundred sixteen patients were included. Mean age was 76 years old and 40% of patients were female. One hundred nineteen patients (38%) experienced at least one grade 3-5 toxicity. Neither the CARG toxicity score, G8, or ECOG were predictive of grade 3-5 toxicity. Patients who experienced grade 3-5 toxicity were more likely to have functional impairments over time (odds ratio 3.71, p = 0.03). However, they maintained their quality of life. DISCUSSION: In this secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial of geriatric assessment and management we did not find any predictors of grade 3-5 toxicity. Patients who did experience toxicity were more likely to report functional decline over time. Older adults who do experience treatment related toxicity may benefit from increased supports. CLINICAL TRIAL INFORMATION: NCT0315467.

A scoping review of ageism towards older adults in cancer care.

INTRODUCTION: Ageism towards older adults with cancer may impact treatment decisions, healthcare interactions, and shape health/psychosocial outcomes. The purpose of this review is twofold: (1) To synthesize the literature on ageism towards older adults with cancer in oncology and (2) To identify interventions that address ageism in the healthcare context applicable to oncology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a scoping review following Arksey and O'Malley and Levac methods and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We conducted an exhaustive multi-database search, screening 30,926 titles/abstracts. Following data abstraction, we conducted tabular, narrative, and textual synthesis. RESULTS: We extracted data on 133 papers. Most (n = 44) were expert opinions, reviews, and letters to editors highlighting the negative impacts of ageism, expressing the need for approaches addressing heterogeneity of older adults, and calling for increased clinical trial inclusion for older adults. Qualitative studies (n = 3) described healthcare professionals' perceived influence of age on treatment recommendations, whereas quantitative studies (n = 32) were inconclusive as to whether age-related bias impacted treatment recommendations/outcomes or survival. Intervention studies (n = 54) targeted ageism in pre/post-licensure healthcare professionals and reported participants' improvement in knowledge and/or attitudes towards older adults. No interventions were found that had been implemented in oncology. DISCUSSION: Concerns relating to ageism in cancer care are consistently described in the literature. Interventions exist to address ageism; however, none have been developed or tested in oncology settings. Addressing ageism in oncology will require integration of geriatric knowledge/interventions to address conscious and unconscious ageist attitudes impacting care and outcomes. Interventions hold promise if tailored for cancer care settings. 249/250.

Impact of Geriatric Assessment and Management on Quality of Life, Unplanned Hospitalizations, Toxicity, and Survival for Older Adults With Cancer: The Randomized 5C Trial.

PURPOSE: American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends that older adults with cancer being considered for chemotherapy receive geriatric assessment (GA) and management (GAM), but few randomized controlled trials have examined its impact on quality of life (QOL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The 5C study was a two-group parallel 1:1 single-blind multicenter randomized controlled trial of GAM for 6 months versus usual oncologic care. Eligible patients were age 70+ years, diagnosed with a solid tumor, lymphoma, or myeloma, referred for first-/second-line chemotherapy or immunotherapy or targeted therapy, and had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-2. The primary outcome QOL was measured with the global health scale of the European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer QOL questionnaire and analyzed with a pattern mixture model using an intent-to-treat approach (at 6 and 12 months). Secondary outcomes included functional status, grade 3-5 treatment toxicity; health care use; satisfaction; cancer treatment plan modification; and overall survival. RESULTS: From March 2018 to March 2020, 350 participants were enrolled. Mean age was 76 years and 40.3% were female. Fifty-four percent started treatment with palliative intent. Eighty-one (23.1%) patients died. GAM did not improve QOL (global QOL of 4.4 points [95% CI, 0.9 to 8.0] favoring the control arm). There was also no difference in survival, change in treatment plan, unplanned hospitalization/emergency department visits, and treatment toxicity between groups. CONCLUSION: GAM did not improve QOL. Most intervention group participants received GA on or after treatment initiation per patient request. Considering recent completed trials, GA may have benefit if completed before treatment selection. The COVID-19 pandemic may have affected our QOL outcome and intervention delivery for some participants.

Implementing geriatric assessment and management for older Canadians with cancer: Adherence to and satisfaction with the intervention, results of the 5C study.

INTRODUCTION: Geriatric assessment and management (GAM) is recommended by professional organizations and recently several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrated benefits in multiple health outcomes. GAM typically leads to one or more recommendations for the older adult on how to optimize their health. However, little is known about how well recommendations are adhered to. Understanding these issues is vital to designing GAM trials and clinical programs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the number of GAM recommendations made and adherence to and satisfaction with the intervention in a multicentre RCT of GAM for older adults with cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 5C study was a two-group parallel RCT conducted in eight hospitals across Canada. Each centre kept a detailed recruitment and retention log. The intervention teams documented adherence to their recommendations. Medical records were also reviewed to assess which recommendations were adhered to. Twenty-three semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 members of the intervention teams and 11 oncology team members to assess implementation of the study and the intervention. RESULTS: Of the 350 participants who were enrolled, 173 were randomized to the intervention arm. Median number of recommendations was seven. Mean adherence to recommendations based on the GAM was 69%, but it varied by type of recommendation, ranging from 98% for laboratory tests to 28% for psychosocial/psychiatry oncology referrals. There was no difference in the number of recommendations or non-adherence to recommendations by sex, level of frailty, or functional status. Oncologists and intervention team members were satisfied with the study implementation and intervention delivery. DISCUSSION: Adherence to recommendations was variable. Adherence to laboratory investigations and further imaging were generally high but much lower for recommendations regarding psychosocial support. Further collaborative work with older adults with cancer is needed to understand how to optimize the intervention to be consistent with patient goals, priorities, and values to ensure maximal impact on health outcomes.

Exploring the relationships between income and emotional/practical concerns and help-seeking by older adult cancer survivors: A secondary analysis.

PURPOSE: The number of older cancer survivors is growing rapidly and expected to double through the next decade. Survivors can face challenges from treatment as well as other co-morbid conditions which may influence quality of living and generate distress. Understanding more about factors influencing whether older cancer survivors receive the help they desire is important for cancer program planning. The purpose of this analysis was to understand relationships between income and emotional/practical concerns, help-seeking experiences and unmet needs of adults 65+ years one to three years following cancer treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was conducted with randomly selected Canadian cancer survivors about their survivorship care. Drawing from these publicly available data, this secondary analysis examines prevalence of concerns, help-seeking, receipt of help, reasons for not seeking help, responses to information questions, and overall unmet needs for trends across income groups. RESULTS: 7975 respondents 65+ years responded, of which the 5891 (73.9%) indicating annual household income were analyzed. Over 80% responded to questions regarding emotional/practical concerns following treatment with the largest proportions reporting emotional concerns for anxiety/fear of cancer returning (63%) and depression (49%), and practical concerns regarding transportation for appointments (33%) and paying healthcare bills (31%). Individuals with household incomes <$25,000 reported higher levels of concern than other income groups and higher proportions sought assistance for their concerns. Across income levels, 20% reported difficulty finding assistance to address their concerns. DISCUSSION: Older cancer survivors across all income categories reported emotional/practical concerns, lack of information about these issues, and unmet needs regarding both emotional and practical concerns. Many encountered challenges obtaining help with those in lower income categories more severely affected despite Canada's universal health care system. Financial burden ought to be assessed with older survivors on an on-going basis to ensure relevant intervention.