Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Identifying Frailty Using Point-of-Care Ultrasonography: Image Acquisition and Assessment
Published on: July 26, 2024
Factors affecting recovery of functional status in older adults after cancer surgery
Janet H Van Cleave1, Brian L Egleston, Ruth McCorkle
1NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. janet.vancleave@nyu.edu
Objectives:
To explore factors influencing functional status over time after cancer surgery in adults aged 65 and older.
Design:
Secondary data analysis of combined data subsets.
Setting:
Five prospective, longitudinal oncology nurse-directed clinical studies conducted at three academic centers in the northwest and northeast United States.
Participants:
Three hundred sixteen community-residing patients diagnosed with digestive system, thoracic, genitourinary, and gynecological cancers treated primarily with surgery.
Measurements:
Functional status, defined as performance of current life roles, was measured using the Enforced Social Dependency Scale and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Survey (using physical component summary measures) after surgery (baseline) and again at 3 and 6 months. Number of symptoms, measured using the Symptom Distress Scale, quantified the effect of each additional common cancer symptom on functional status.
Results:
After controlling for cancer site and stage, comorbidities, symptoms, psychological status, treatment, and demographic variables, functional status was found to be significantly better at 3 and 6 months after surgery than at baseline. Factors associated with better functional status included higher income and better mental health. Factors associated with poorer average functional status were a greater number of symptoms and comorbidities. Persons reporting three or more symptoms experienced statistically significant and clinically meaningful poorer functional status than those without symptoms. Persons reporting three or more comorbidities were also found to have poorer functional status than those without comorbidities. No significant relationship existed between age and functional status in patients aged 65 and older.
Conclusion:
Factors other than age affect recovery of functional status in older adults after cancer surgery.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer Survival Analysis
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
Classification of Illness
An illness is a response to a disease in which the person's level of functioning is changed compared with a previous level. The general classification of illness includes acute and chronic.
Acute illness is severe and...
Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
Healing II: Complications