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Survivorship issues in older breast cancer survivors

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Abstract

Purpose

Almost half of breast cancer survivors are aged ≥ 65 years and the proportion is likely to increase due to the aging of the population. The objectives of this article were to review studies of health outcomes among older breast cancer survivors ≥ 65 years to identify gaps in the published literature and offer suggestions for future research.

Methods

The present review is based upon bibliographic searches in PubMed and CINAHL and relevant search terms. Articles published in English from January 1, 1970 through October 1, 2018 were identified using the following MeSH search terms and Boolean algebra commands.

Results

This review has revealed that older breast cancer survivors cope with health issues related to cancer treatment and the aging process, including comorbidities, osteoporosis, symptoms, physical functioning, cognitive functioning, nutrition, and physical activity.

Conclusions

Additional research is needed to examine therapeutic interventions to address the health conditions older breast cancer survivors are coping with. Particular focus of further research should be on the nutritional status and physical activity levels of older breast cancer survivors. Individualized nutrition plans and tailored physical activity programs for older survivors are needed that meet people where they are and that form habits.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Population Health Sciences, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA

    Steven S. Coughlin

  2. Research Service, Charlie Norwood Veterans Administration Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA

    Steven S. Coughlin

  3. Department of Community Medicine and Population Health, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA

    Raheem J. Paxton

  4. Department of Interdisciplinary Health Studies, College of Allied Health Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA

    Nicole Moore, Jessica Lynn Stewart & Judith Anglin

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  1. Steven S. Coughlin
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  2. Raheem J. Paxton
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  3. Nicole Moore
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  4. Jessica Lynn Stewart
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  5. Judith Anglin
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Correspondence to Steven S. Coughlin.

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This article does not contain any studies with human participants performed by any of the authors.

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Coughlin, S.S., Paxton, R.J., Moore, N. et al. Survivorship issues in older breast cancer survivors. Breast Cancer Res Treat 174, 47–53 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-018-05078-8

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