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Symptom correlates in the gero-oncology population.
1College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. reinera@ohsu.edu
Seminars in Oncology Nursing
|February 7, 2006
Summary
Despite decades of research, the impact of aging on cancer symptom experience remains unclear. Oncology nurses should consider co-existing chronic illnesses in older patients.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Oncology
- Symptom Science
Background:
- Cancer symptom research has a long history.
- The gero-oncology population presents unique challenges in symptom management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies on cancer-related symptoms in older adults.
- To explore relationships between symptoms in the gero-oncology population.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of research articles, review articles, and government documents.
- Focus on recently published studies.
Main Results:
- Cancer-related symptoms have been studied extensively over 20 years.
- Limited understanding exists regarding how age influences the cancer disease experience.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to understand the functional effects of age on cancer symptoms.
- Oncology nurses should integrate management of chronic illness symptoms into geriatric cancer care plans.