Prospective Analysis of Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults With Cancer

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) changes at 6 to 12 months after cancer diagnosis and to assess the impact of age in older adults with cancer. METHODS: A cohort study using patients ≥60 years old diagnosed with cancer. Health-related quality of life scores were calculated according to the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaire. Student’s t tests for paired samples and a binomial logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: The study included 241 patients. At diagnosis, the affected HRQoL functions were physical and emotional functions, financial difficulties, pain, and insomnia. At follow-up, cognitive function (P < .001) and dyspnea (P = .004) worsened, while emotional function improved (P = .003). DISCUSSION: At the 6 to 12 months of follow-up, older adult cancer patients showed worsening cognitive function and dyspnea and improved emotional function. These HRQoL changes were not associated with age.