1467P - Quality of Life Among Older Patients (Age 65+) with Cancer in A University Hospital in India

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Cancer in older cancer patients, additional endpoints such as quality of survival and daily functioning might be considered equally relevant as overall or disease free survival. However, these factors have been understudied. Therefore, this study will focus on the impact of cancer, ageing, and their interaction on the long-term wellbeing of older cancer patients. Methods This is an prospective study. We recruited 45 cancer patients above 65 years with a new diagnosis of breast, prostate, lung or gastrointestinal cancer between November 2011 and January 2012. Data collected through personal interviews and self-administered questionnaire (consisting of socio-demographic information, general health information, a comprehensive geriatric assessment, quality of life, Mini Mental Status Examination, Barthel Index, geriatric depressive scale ECOG Performance status and Mini Nutritional scale), and assessment of medical records. Results The four most prevalent symptoms/problems identified were fatigue, financial difficulties, reduced role function and reduced social function. The geriatric depressive scale showed 33.3 % normal and 53.3 % had mild depression. The Barthel index 28.8 % had score range 60-80 and 80-100 in 51.1 % patients. Mini Mental status majority had score range from 10-30. ECOG Performance status was 0-2 in 70.9 %. Mini Nutritional status revealed risk of malnutrition in 71.1%. Discussion This prospective data provides light on psychological adjustment of patients affected by cancer (diagnosis and treatment) and their interaction with aging in a developing country. Results may provide new insights, which might contribute to the improvement of care for older cancer patients. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.