The Healthcare Needs of Ageing Adults Following Initial Cancer Treatment Across Four European Countries

Marshall-Mckenna, R. et al. (2021) The Healthcare Needs of Ageing Adults Following Initial Cancer Treatment Across Four European Countries. Supportive Care in Cancer, 29(Suppl1), S231. (doi: 10.1007/s00520-021-06285-8)

Abstract

Introduction: Ageing and comorbidity impact on individual functioning, quality of life, and the complexity of care required by older cancer patients. We aimed to identify the healthcare needs of middle-aged (50-64 years) and older adults (65 years+) following initial treatment for breast, prostate or melanoma skin cancer in Greece, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Methods: This mixed method study collected data via either online surveys or telephone interviews as part of a larger Horizon 2020 project (LifeChamps-https://lifechamps.eu/). Framework analysis was applied to the dataset. Results: 70 patients participated, of which, 46 were middle-aged and 23 were older adults (age unknown, n=1). Patients were treated for breast (n=47), prostate (n=16) or melanoma skin (n=7) cancer. 50% (n=35) of patients reported 1-2 comorbidities, whilst 43% (n=30) reported no comorbidities. Both age groups identified the need for ongoing physical and psychological support. Common physical concerns were ‘bone health’, fatigue and side effects from endocrine treatment. Need for psychological support was more prevalent in middle-aged patients. Perceptions of ‘ideal’ care included health monitoring, practical information on day-to-day living and support closer to home. Conclusion: Follow-up care varied across countries and identified gaps in services for ageing adults. Research into methods of support, such as remote digital healthcare, to address these identified health needs is warranted.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Abstracts for MASCC/ISOO Annual Meeting 2021, 24-26 June 2021.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Marshall-Mckenna, Dr Rebecca and Kotronoulas, Dr Greg
• Authors: Marshall-Mckenna, R., Kotronoulas, G., Kokoroskos, E., Gil Granados, A., Papachristou, P., Papachristou, N., McGowan, S., Petridis, G., Collantes, G., Billis, A., and Bamidis, P.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Supportive Care in Cancer
• ISSN: 0941-4355
• Published Online: 15 June 2021