The association between mental health, social support and physical health outcomes among older female cancer survivors

Abstract

ObjectivePrevious research has demonstrated an individual's wellness is dependent on multiple factors; however, there has been little research focused on older cancer survivors (≥65). This study explored the association between social support, mental health, and physical health outcomes (bodily pain, physical functioning, health-related quality of life [HRQoL]) among older female cancer survivors. MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved female participants aged ≥65 years old who completed any primary cancer treatment within the last five years. Participants were recruited from the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center registry and from the Stephanie Spielman Geriatric Breast Oncology Clinic. Physical health outcomes and mental HRQoL were measured using subscales of the RAND-36. Social support was measured by the 8-item modified Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (mMOS-SS). Descriptive characteristics, Pearson's correlations, Chi-square analyses, and regression analyses were used. ResultsThe mean physical functioning score (59.8/100) was low among older (≥65) female cancer survivors when compared to similar studies (p < 0.001) (n = 173). Regression analyses found that higher body mass index (BMI) (β = 0.25) and decreased physical functioning (β = 0.44) were significantly associated with increased bodily pain. Higher social support was positively correlated with higher HRQoL related to bodily pain (β = 0.49). ConclusionsMental health and social support impact the overall health of older cancer survivors. Comprehensive geriatric assessments (CGAs) may help address more than the physical health of survivors. Future research should focus on integrating CGA into clinical practice and assess the impact of CGA HRQoL in older cancer survivors.