Modifiable Risk Factors, Health Profile and Well-Being of the Elderly Diagnosed with Cancer in Italy: Passi d’Argento Surveillance System 2016–2019 Results

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Data 2016–2019 from the behavioral surveillance system PASSI d’Argento confirm the role of lifestyle-related factors in cancer survivorship and well-being among the elderly population residing in Italy. The data monitor different aspects of elderly life in terms of participation and social engagement, lifestyles and compliance with care and prevention activities. The analysis of how older individuals with cancer live is key to addressing effective prevention strategies, tailored to the specific needs of cancer survivors themselves. Facilitating access to social and health services for the most vulnerable groups would mean reducing health inequalities, accessing specific programs for the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, keeping chronic diseases under control to improve the well-being of the individual as well as of society. The study provides a useful basis for new models of multi-professional interventions to improve the health status among the elderly population living with cancer. ABSTRACT: (1) Cases of cancer are expected to increase in the next years and the risk of cancer increases with age. Data 2016–2019 from the Italian population-based surveillance PASSI d’Argento (PdA) allow the description of the physical and psychosocial well-being of people aged ≥65 years diagnosed with cancer (Ca), and the comparison with elderly suffering from other chronic conditions (Ch) and healthy older individuals (H). (2) Data are collected by Local Health Units’ professionals using a standardized questionnaire during telephone interviews. (3) A total of 8051 out of the 56,352 interviewees reported a previous diagnosis of cancer: an annual average cancer prevalence of 12.8% (95% CI 12.4–13.3%) corresponding to 1.725 million elderly residing in Italy. In comparison to the H, Ca were more likely to refer bad health (aPR = 4.21; 95% CI: 3.70–4.79), suffer from depressive symptoms (aPR = 2.65; 95% CI: 2.35–2.99), disability (aPR = 2.50; 95% CI: 2.22–2.81) or sensory problems (aPR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.40–1.63), be frail (aPR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.30–1.61). Ca are often current smokers (aPR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.11–1.45) and sedentary (aPR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.03–1.18). (4) PdA provides valuable information to researchers and policy-makers by showing the difficulties for older people with cancer in contributing socially and accessing basic social and health services, which amplifies the risk of cognitive decline, isolation, and psychological deterioration.