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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

International trends in cancer incidence in middle-aged and older adults in 44 countries.

OBJECTIVE: We examine international incidence trends of lung, colorectal, prostate, and breast cancers, as well as all cancers combined excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in adults aged 50 and older, over a fifteen-year period using data from 113 high quality population-based cancer registries included in the Cancer in Five Continents (CI5) series and NORDCAN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We calculated annual incidence rates between 1998 and 2012 for ages 50-64, 65-74, and 75+, by sex and both sexes combined. We estimated average annual percentage change (AAPC) in rates using quasi-Poisson regression models. RESULTS: From 1998 to 2012, incidence trends for all cancers (excluding NMSC) have increased in most countries across all age groups, with the greatest increase observed in adults aged 75+ in Ecuador (AAPC = +3%). Colorectal cancer incidence rates increased in the majority of countries, across all age groups. Lung cancer rates among females have increased but decreased for males. Prostate cancer rates have sharply increased in men aged 50-64 with AAPC between 5% and 15% in 24 countries, while decreasing in the 75+ age group in 21 countries, by up to -7% in Bahrain. Female breast cancer rates have increased across all age groups in most countries, especially in the 65-74 age group and in Asia with AAPC increasing to 7% in the Republic of Korea. CONCLUSIONS: These findings assist with anticipating changing patterns and needs internationally. Due to the specific needs of older patients, it is urgent that cancer systems adapt to address their growing number.

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.

The Role of Family Caregivers in the Care of Older Adults with Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To provide an overview on the role of family caregivers (FCGs) in the care of older adults with cancer and review quality of life needs for FCGs. DATA SOURCES: Journal articles, research reports, state of the science papers, position papers, and clinical guidelines from professional organizations were used. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of multiple comorbidities and the associated burden of geriatric events in older adults have a substantial impact on the quality of life of their FCGs. Practical and efficient models of comprehensive assessment, interventions, and caregiving preparedness support are needed to improve outcomes for both older adults with cancer and their FCGs. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurses practicing in clinical and research settings have a responsibility to prepare themselves with evidence-based knowledge and resources to include the needs of FCGs in the care provided to older adults with cancer.

A survey of nurses' experience integrating oncology clinical and academic worlds.

AIM: To better understand how oncology nurses (a) navigate graduate studies; (b) perceive the impact of their academic work on their clinical practice, and vice versa; and (c) engage with clinical settings following graduate work. DESIGN: Interpretive descriptive cross-sectional survey. METHODS: A qualitative exploratory web-based survey exploring integration of graduate studies and clinical nursing practice. RESULTS: About 87 participants from seven countries responded. 71% were employed in clinical settings, 53% were enrolled in/graduated from Master's programs; 47% were enrolled in/graduated from doctoral programs. Participants had diverse motivations for pursuing graduate studies and improving clinical care. Participants reported graduate preparation increased their ability to provide quality care and conduct research. Lack of time and institutional structures were challenges to integrating clinical work and academic pursuits. CONCLUSIONS: Given the many constraints and numerous benefits of nurses engaging in graduate work, structures and strategies to support hybrid roles should be explored.

Measuring quality of life in older people with cancer.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The number of individuals aged 65+ with cancer will double in the next decade. Attention to quality of life (QOL) is imperative to identify relevant endpoints/outcomes in research and provide care that matches individual needs. This review summarizes recent publications regarding QOL measurement in older adults with cancer, considering implications for research and practice. RECENT FINDINGS: QOL is a complex concept and its measurement can be challenging. A variety of measurement tools exist, but only one specific to older adults with cancer. QOL is frequently measured as functional health, adverse symptoms, and global QOL, thus only capturing a portion of this concept. Yet successful QOL intervention for older adults requires drawing from behavioral and social dimensions.Growing interest in comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) provides important opportunities for measuring QOL. Recommendations for use of CGAs and PROs in clinical practice have been made but widespread uptake has not occurred. SUMMARY: QOL is important to older adults and must be central in planning and discussing their care. It is modifiable but presents measurement challenges in this population. Various domains are associated with decline, survival, satisfaction with life, coping, and different interventions. Measurement approaches must fit with intention and capacity to act within given contexts.

Improving survivorship care: Perspectives of cancer survivors 75 years and older.

PURPOSE: This work describes perspectives of older adult cancer survivors about improvements that should be considered during the early period of survivorship. Findings will be useful in program development of age-appropriate services following completion of cancer treatment for older adults. METHODS: A national survey was conducted across ten Canadian provinces to understand follow-up experiences of cancer survivors one to three years post-treatment. The survey included open-ended questions enabling respondents to offer insight into their experiences. This publication presents analysis of responses from older adults (75+ years) about suggestions for improving survivorship care. RESULTS: In total, 3274 older adults (75+ years) responded to the survey and 1424 responded to the question about improvements. Fifty-five percent of the older adults were male, 28% had experienced metastatic disease and 75% reported comorbid conditions. A total of 640 respondents offered 932 suggestions in the areas of service delivery (n = 763, 81.9%), support (n = 108, 11.6%), and practical assistance (n = 61, 6.5%). Improvements in information/communication (n = 291) and follow-up care (n = 180) accounted for the highest number of suggestions regarding service delivery. Thematic analysis revealed three key messages about improvement: 'offer me needed support', 'make access easy for me', and 'show me you care'. CONCLUSION: Suggestions for improvement in survivorship care by older adults treated for cancer emphasize need for changes in the approaches taken by health care providers in interactions and organization of care delivery. Proactive provision of information, detailed schedules for follow-up care, and ease of access to post-treatment care are needed.

Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment: A Case Report on Personalizing Cancer Care of an Older Adult Patient With Head and Neck Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Understanding multidimensional screening and assessment is key to optimizing cancer care in older adults. OBJECTIVES: This article aims to present comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) as an approach to personalizing care for older adults with cancer. METHODS: A case study of an 89-year-old man with head and neck cancer is presented as a framework to describe the process of CGA and an overview of geriatric oncology screening and assessment. FINDINGS: CGA enables personalized care by informing decision making about cancer treatment and guiding implementation of enhanced supportive interventions. Screening tools can help identify older adult patients who would benefit from CGA. Oncology nurses can integrate geriatric assessment tools into practice to identify and address age-related concerns, facilitate communication, and contribute to personalization of care.

Role of the geriatrician, primary care practitioner, nurses, and collaboration with oncologists during cancer treatment delivery for older adults: A narrative review of the literature.

Cancer is a disease that mostly affects older adults. With the aging of the population there will be a considerable increase in the number of older adults with cancer. Optimal care of the older adult with cancer requires the involvement of many types of health care providers, including oncologists, nurses, primary care practitioners, and geriatricians. In this narrative review, the literature for evidence relating to the roles of and collaboration between geriatricians, primary care practitioners, nurses, and the oncology team during cancer treatment delivery to older adults was examined. Relevant abstracts were reviewed by all team members. The full texts were reviewed to identify common themes related to roles and collaboration. The results showed that primary care practitioners felt underutilized and that the communication and collaboration between oncologists and primary care practitioners is challenging due to lack of clarity about roles and lack of timely communication/sharing of all relevant information. Furthermore, some of oncology staff, but not all, saw a need for greater collaboration between oncologists and geriatricians. The lack of availability of geriatricians limited the collaboration. Geriatric oncology nurses perceived themselves as having an important role in geriatric assessment and management, but there was no data on their collaboration with these medical specialists. There is a clear need for improvement of collaboration to improve patient outcomes. In conclusion, further research is needed to examine the impact of geriatric oncology team collaboration on the quality of cancer care, in particular, the role of nurses in supporting quality of care during treatment.

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.

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.