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Surr C, Ashley L. End of life care for people with dementia and comorbid cancer: recent studies and research gaps. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2024:00001504-990000000-00128. [PMID: 38841908 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This narrative review examines recent research on end of life (EOL) care for people with dementia and comorbid cancer, highlighting the complexity and challenge of providing effective EOL care for this group and areas of interest for future research. RECENT FINDINGS People with cancer and dementia and their family/supporters have more complex care and support needs at EOL that are less well met than those of older adults with cancer alone, including questionable use of aggressive EOL care interventions, poorer access to specialist palliative care teams and poor pain management. Those diagnosed with dementia at the same time as, or after their cancer diagnosis, are at greater risk of aggressive EOL care and EOL cancer treatment and care plans that are not able to meet their care needs as dementia progresses. SUMMARY There is a lack of research on EOL care for people with cancer and dementia. There is little understanding of what good care for this population looks like and if and how EOL care can best meet the needs of people with cancer and dementia or their carers/supporters. More research is needed to inform improved care for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Surr
- Centre for Dementia Research, School of Health
| | - Laura Ashley
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
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Schiaffino MK, Schumacher JR, Nalawade V, Nguyen PTN, Yakuta M, Gilbert PE, Dale W, Murphy JD, Moore AA. The disproportionate burden of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) in diverse older adults diagnosed with cancer. J Geriatr Oncol 2023; 14:101610. [PMID: 37666209 PMCID: PMC11086668 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2023.101610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Older adults living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) who are then diagnosed with cancer are an understudied population. While the role of cognitive impairment during and after cancer treatment have been well-studied, less is understood about patients who are living with ADRD and then develop cancer. The purpose of this study is to contribute evidence about our understanding of this vulnerable population. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of a linked, representative family of databases of cancer registries and Medicare administrative claims that make up the SEER-Medicare database. Older adults ages 68 and older with a first primary cancer type: breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, oral, or prostate were eligible for inclusion (N = 337,932). Prevalence estimates of ADRD across cancer types and a 5% non-cancer comparison sample were compared by patient factors. RESULTS The overall prevalence of patients who had an ADRD diagnosis anytime in the three years prior to their cancer diagnosis was 5.6%. Patients with ADRD were more likely to be female, older (over age 75), a racial/ethnic minority, single, with multiple chronic conditions, and a tumor diagnosed early (stage I) or were unstaged. Black patients with colorectal and oral cancer had the highest and second highest prevalence of ADRD compared to White patients (13.46% vs 7.95% and 12.64% vs 7.82% respectively, p < .0001). We observed the highest prevalence of ADRD among Black patients for breast (11.85%), cervical (11.98%), lung (8.41%), prostate (4.83), and the 5% sample (9.50%, p > .0001). DISCUSSION The higher prevalence of ADRD among Black and Latine older adults with cancer not only aligns with the trend observed in our non-cancer comparison sample, but also, these findings demonstrate the compounded risk experienced by minoritized older adults over the life course. The greater than expected prevalence of patients with ADRD who go on to develop cancer demonstrates better assessment of cognition is urgently needed. Accurate identification of these vulnerable populations is critical to improve assessment, care coordination, and address inequities in screening and treatment planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody K Schiaffino
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA; Center for Health Equity, Education, and Research, School of Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Division of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, School of Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Palliative Medicine, UC San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Jessica R Schumacher
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Vinit Nalawade
- Division of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, School of Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Phuong Thi Ngoc Nguyen
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Informatics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Melissa Yakuta
- San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Paul E Gilbert
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - William Dale
- Department of Supportive Care Medicine, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA.
| | - James D Murphy
- Center for Health Equity, Education, and Research, School of Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Division of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, School of Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Alison A Moore
- Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Palliative Medicine, UC San Diego, CA, USA.
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Castelo-Loureiro A, Perez-de-Acha A, Torres-Perez AC, Cunha V, García-Valdés P, Cárdenas-Reyes P, Soto-Perez-de-Celis E. Delivering Palliative and Supportive Care for Older Adults with Cancer: Interactions between Palliative Medicine and Geriatrics. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3858. [PMID: 37568674 PMCID: PMC10417379 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The world's population is aging rapidly, with projections indicating that by 2050 one in six people will be aged ≥65 years. As a result, the number of cancer cases in older people is expected to increase significantly. Palliative care is an essential component of cancer care with a direct impact on quality of life. However, older adults with cancer often suffer from multiple comorbidities, cognitive impairment, and frailty, posing unique challenges in the delivery of palliative care. The complex healthcare needs of older patients with cancer therefore require a comprehensive assessment, including a geriatric evaluation. Collaboration between geriatrics and palliative care can offer a solution to the challenges faced by older people with cancer, since this is a population with overlapping concerns for both disciplines. This review highlights the importance of palliative care for older adults with cancer and the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach. It also addresses the coordination of palliative care and geriatrics for specific symptom management and decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Perez-de-Acha
- Department of Geriatrics, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Ana Cristina Torres-Perez
- Department of Geriatrics, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Vanessa Cunha
- School of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Paola García-Valdés
- Department of Geriatrics, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
- Department of Palliative Care, Hospital Gea González, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Paula Cárdenas-Reyes
- Department of Geriatrics, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Enrique Soto-Perez-de-Celis
- Department of Geriatrics, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
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Baliga MS, Lasrado S, Krishna A, George T, Madathil LP, D’souza RF, Palatty PL. Social, Ethical and Treatment Related Problems Faced by Healthcare Workers in the Care of Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Narrative Review from the Bioethics Consortium from India. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023:1-11. [PMID: 37362104 PMCID: PMC10206566 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-023-03738-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) presents a variety of ethical difficulties for an oncologist involved in screening, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation that are challenging to address, especially for those professionals/people who are not trained in medical ethics. The bioethics department has spent the last ten years compiling information and rating the seriousness of numerous niche ethical concerns and their effects on healthcare professionals practising in India. Based on these findings, the current analysis makes an effort to outline the different challenges faced by oncologists when screening, diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating people affected with HNC, particularly in a traditional nation like India. According to the authors, this is the first overview to address these issues from an Indian viewpoint, and it represents a small effort to document a crucial but unaddressed component of cancer treatment. It is hoped that these endeavours would aid in educating upcoming healthcare professionals on how to effectively handle the difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjeshwar Shrinath Baliga
- Bioethics Education and Research Unit, Mangalore Institute of Oncology, Pumpwell, Mangalore, Karnataka 575002 India
- The Bioethics SAARC Nodal Centre, International Network Bioethics, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Ernakulam, Kerala 682041 India
- Member, International Chair in Bioethics, University of Porto Portugal (Formerly UNESCO Chair in Bioethics, University of Haifa) Directorate of The Asia Pacific Division and Education Department, Cleeland Street, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Savita Lasrado
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Father Muller Medical College, Kankanady, Mangalore, 575002 India
| | - Abhishek Krishna
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka 570001 India
| | - Thomas George
- Internal Medicine, Coney Island Hospital, 2601 Ocean Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11235 USA
| | - Lal P. Madathil
- The Bioethics SAARC Nodal Centre, International Network Bioethics, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Ernakulam, Kerala 682041 India
| | - Russell Franco D’souza
- Member, International Chair in Bioethics, University of Porto Portugal (Formerly UNESCO Chair in Bioethics, University of Haifa) Directorate of The Asia Pacific Division and Education Department, Cleeland Street, Melbourne, Australia
- Chair Department of Education, International Chair in Bioethics, University of Porto Portugal (Formerly UNESCO Chair in Bioethics, University of Haifa); Directorate of The Asia Pacific Division and Education Department, Cleeland Street, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Princy Louis Palatty
- The Bioethics SAARC Nodal Centre, International Network Bioethics, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Ernakulam, Kerala 682041 India
- Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ernakulam, Kerala 682041 India
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Jones D, Ali OM, Honey S, Surr C, Scott S, De Wit N, Neal RD. Patients' views on the decision to investigate cancer symptoms in older adults: a qualitative interview study in primary care. Br J Gen Pract 2023:BJGP.2022.0622. [PMID: 37365009 PMCID: PMC10327112 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2022.0622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is predominantly a disease of older adults. To date there has been little research on the experiences of older adults or their views on the diagnostic pathway. AIM To gain an improved understanding of the views and experiences of older adults on all aspects of cancer investigation. DESIGN AND SETTING This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with patients aged ≥70 years. Patients were recruited from primary care in West Yorkshire, UK. METHOD Data were analysed using a thematic framework analysis. RESULTS The themes identified in participants' accounts included the patients' process of decision making, the value of having a diagnosis, the patients' experience of cancer investigations, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnostic pathway. Older adults in this study indicated a clear preference for having clarity on the cause of symptoms and the diagnosis, even in the face of unpleasant investigations. Patients suggested they wanted to be involved in the decision process. CONCLUSION Older adults who present to primary care with symptoms suggestive of cancer may accept diagnostic testing solely for the benefit of knowing the diagnosis. There was a clear patient preference that referrals and investigations for cancer symptoms should not be deferred or delayed based on age or subjective assessments of frailty. Shared decision making and being involved in the decision-making process are important to patients, regardless of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Jones
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Omer M Ali
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Stephanie Honey
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Suzanne Scott
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Niek De Wit
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, and professor of general practice, University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Richard D Neal
- Department of Health and Community Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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Gheybi K, Buckley E, Vitry A, Roder D. Variations in colorectal cancer pattern of care by age and comorbidity in South Australia. Cancer Med 2023. [PMID: 37084009 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced age is associated with decreased likelihood of colorectal cancer treatment. Here, we investigated the extent to which comorbidities are accountable for this lesser treatment. METHODS Using population-based datasets, the pattern of care among CRC cases in South Australia during 2004-2013 was investigated. Models were used to investigate associations of age with each treatment type, and differences in these associations were explored by comorbidity and cancer site. RESULTS The presence of comorbidity was associated with a significantly weaker relationship of age with surgery and chemotherapy. The association of age with surgery also varied for colon and rectal primary cancer sites. Individual comorbidity types varied in their associations with each treatment category. For example, dementia was associated with less chemotherapy provision, however, it was not significantly related to the likelihood of surgery. CONCLUSION This study indicates that the association of age with surgical treatment differed significantly by the CRC subsite. Comorbidity moderated the negative association of age with chemotherapy, and less so, with extent of surgery. Results were novel in indicating associations of multiple individual comorbidity types with CRC treatment modalities. The data suggest that different individual comorbidity types may have different effects on treatment and should be studied separately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazzem Gheybi
- University of South Australia Allied Health and Human Performance, South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- Cancer epidemiology and population health, University of South Australia, South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Buckley
- University of South Australia Allied Health and Human Performance, South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Agnes Vitry
- University of South Australia Clinical and Health Sciences, South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - David Roder
- University of South Australia Allied Health and Human Performance, South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- Cancer epidemiology and population health, University of South Australia, South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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Schein CH. Distinguishing Curable from Progressive Dementias for Defining Cancer Care Options. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041055. [PMID: 36831398 PMCID: PMC9954275 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The likelihood of a diagnosis of dementia increases with a person's age, as is also the case for many cancers, including melanoma and multiple myeloma, where the median age of diagnosis is above 60 years. However, patients diagnosed with dementia are less likely to be offered invasive curative therapies for cancer. Together with analysis of diet and medication history, advanced imaging methods and genetic profiling can now indicate more about syndromes causing the neurological symptoms. Cachexia, malnutrition, dehydration, alcohol consumption, and even loneliness can all accentuate or cause the "3Ds" of dementia, delirium and depression. Many common drugs, especially in the context of polypharmacy, can cause cognitive difficulties resembling neurodegenerative disease. These syndromes may be reversed by diet, social and caregiver changes, and stopping potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). More insidious are immune reactions to many different autoantigens, some of which are related to cancers and tumors. These can induce movement and cognitive difficulties that mimic Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and other ataxias associated with aging. Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes may be reversed by directed immunotherapies if detected in their early stages but are best treated by removal of the causative tumor. A full genetic workup should be done for all individuals as soon as possible after diagnosis, to guide less invasive treatments suitable for frail individuals. While surgical interventions may be contraindicated, genetic profile guided immunotherapies, oral treatments, and radiation may be equally curative in a significant number of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine H Schein
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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Morishima T, Kuwabara Y, Saito MK, Odani S, Kudo H, Kato M, Nakata K, Miyashiro I. Patterns of staging, treatment, and mortality in gastric, colorectal, and lung cancer among older adults with and without preexisting dementia: a Japanese multicentre cohort study. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:67. [PMID: 36658524 PMCID: PMC9854163 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10411-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about dementia's impact on patterns of diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes in cancer patients. This study aimed to elucidate the differences in cancer staging, treatment, and mortality in older cancer patients with and without preexisting dementia. METHODS Using cancer registry data and administrative data from 30 hospitals in Japan, this multicentre retrospective cohort study examined patients aged 65-99 years who were newly diagnosed with gastric, colorectal, or lung cancer in 2014-2015. Dementia status (none, mild, and moderate-to-severe) at the time of cancer diagnosis was extracted from clinical summaries in administrative data, and set as the exposure of interest. We constructed multivariable logistic regression models to analyse cancer staging and treatment, and multivariable Cox regression models to analyse three-year survival. RESULTS Among gastric (n = 6016), colorectal (n = 7257), and lung (n = 4502) cancer patients, 5.1%, 5.8%, and 6.4% had dementia, respectively. Patients with dementia were more likely to receive unstaged and advanced-stage cancer diagnoses; less likely to undergo tumour resection for stage I, II, and III gastric cancer and for stage I and II lung cancer; less likely to receive pharmacotherapy for stage III and IV lung cancer; more likely to undergo tumour resection for all-stage colorectal cancer; and more likely to die within three years of cancer diagnosis. The effects of moderate-to-severe dementia were greater than those of mild dementia, with the exception of tumour resection for colorectal cancer. CONCLUSION Older cancer patients with preexisting dementia are less likely to receive standard cancer treatment and more likely to experience poorer outcomes. Clinicians should be aware of these risks, and would benefit from standardised guidelines to aid their decision-making in diagnosing and treating these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshitaka Morishima
- Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, 3-1-69 Otemae, Chuo-ku, 541-8567, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Yoshihiro Kuwabara
- grid.489169.b0000 0004 8511 4444Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, 3-1-69 Otemae, Chuo-ku, 541-8567 Osaka, Japan
| | - Mari Kajiwara Saito
- grid.489169.b0000 0004 8511 4444Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, 3-1-69 Otemae, Chuo-ku, 541-8567 Osaka, Japan
| | - Satomi Odani
- grid.489169.b0000 0004 8511 4444Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, 3-1-69 Otemae, Chuo-ku, 541-8567 Osaka, Japan
| | - Haruka Kudo
- grid.489169.b0000 0004 8511 4444Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, 3-1-69 Otemae, Chuo-ku, 541-8567 Osaka, Japan
| | - Mizuki Kato
- grid.489169.b0000 0004 8511 4444Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, 3-1-69 Otemae, Chuo-ku, 541-8567 Osaka, Japan
| | - Kayo Nakata
- grid.489169.b0000 0004 8511 4444Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, 3-1-69 Otemae, Chuo-ku, 541-8567 Osaka, Japan
| | - Isao Miyashiro
- grid.489169.b0000 0004 8511 4444Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, 3-1-69 Otemae, Chuo-ku, 541-8567 Osaka, Japan
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Kuryba AJ, Boyle JM, van der Meulen J, Aggarwal A, Walker K, Fearnhead NS, Braun MS. Severity of Dementia and Survival in Patients Diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer: A National Cohort Study in England and Wales. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2023; 35:e67-e76. [PMID: 36216698 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2022.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AIMS There is little evidence about the survival of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) also diagnosed with dementia. We quantified dementia severity and estimated how it is associated with 2-year overall survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS Records of patients aged 65 years or older diagnosed with CRC in England and Wales were identified. A novel proxy for dementia severity combined dementia diagnosis in administrative hospital data with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios with and without risk adjustment. RESULTS In total, 4033 of 105 250 CRC patients (3.8%) had dementia recorded. Two-year survival decreased with increasing dementia severity from 65.4% without dementia, 53.5% with mild dementia, 33.0% with moderate dementia to 16.5% with severe dementia (hazard ratio comparing severe with no dementia: 2.97; 95% confidence interval 2.79, 3.16). Risk adjustment for comorbidity and cancer stage reduced this association slightly (hazard ratio 2.52; 95% confidence interval 2.37, 2.68) and additional adjustment for treatment factors reduced it further (hazard ratio 1.60; 95% confidence interval 1.50, 1.70). CONCLUSIONS Survival of CRC patients varied strongly according to dementia severity, suggesting that a 'one-size-fits-all' policy for the care of CRC patients with dementia is not appropriate. Comprehensive assessment of cancer patients with dementia that considers dementia severity is essential in a shared decision-making process that ensures patients receive the most appropriate treatment for their individual needs and preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Kuryba
- Clinical Effectiveness Unit, Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, UK; Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - J M Boyle
- Clinical Effectiveness Unit, Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, UK; Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - J van der Meulen
- Clinical Effectiveness Unit, Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, UK; Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - A Aggarwal
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Department of Oncology, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - K Walker
- Clinical Effectiveness Unit, Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, UK; Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - N S Fearnhead
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - M S Braun
- Department of Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK; School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Ashley L, Surr C, Kelley R, Price M, Griffiths AW, Fowler NR, Giza DE, Neal RD, Martin C, Hopkinson JB, O'Donovan A, Dale W, Koczwara B, Spencer K, Wyld L. Cancer care for people with dementia: Literature overview and recommendations for practice and research. CA Cancer J Clin 2022; 73:320-338. [PMID: 36512303 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As many countries experience population aging, patients with cancer are becoming older and have more preexisting comorbidities, which include prevalent, age-related, chronic conditions such as dementia. People living with dementia (PLWD) are vulnerable to health disparities, and dementia has high potential to complicate and adversely affect care and outcomes across the cancer trajectory. This report offers an overview of dementia and its prevalence among patients with cancer and a summary of the research literature examining cancer care for PLWD. The reviewed research indicates that PLWD are more likely to have cancer diagnosed at an advanced stage, receive no or less extensive cancer treatment, and have poorer survival after a cancer diagnosis. These cancer disparities do not necessarily signify inappropriately later diagnosis or lower treatment of people with dementia as a group, and they are arguably less feasible and appropriate targets for care optimization. The reviewed research indicates that PLWD also have an increased risk of cancer-related emergency presentations, lower quality processes of cancer-related decision making, accessibility-related barriers to cancer investigations and treatment, higher experienced treatment burden and higher caregiver burden for families, and undertreated cancer-related pain. The authors propose that optimal cancer care for PLWD should focus on proactively minimizing these risk areas and thus must be highly person-centered, with holistic decision making, individualized reasonable adjustments to practice, and strong inclusion and support of family carers. Comprehensive recommendations are made for clinical practice and future research to help clinicians and providers deliver best and equitable cancer care for PLWD and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ashley
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - Claire Surr
- Centre for Dementia Research, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - Rachael Kelley
- Centre for Dementia Research, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - Mollie Price
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Nicole R Fowler
- Indiana University Center for Aging Research at Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Dana E Giza
- Joan and Stanford Alexander Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Richard D Neal
- Department of Health and Community Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Charlene Martin
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Anita O'Donovan
- Applied Radiation Therapy Trinity (ARTT), Discipline of Radiation Therapy, School of Medicine, Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - William Dale
- Center for Cancer and Aging, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Bogda Koczwara
- Department of Medical Oncology, Flinders Medical Centre & Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Lynda Wyld
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Neal D, Morgan JL, Kenny R, Ormerod T, Reed MW. Is there evidence of age bias in breast cancer health care professionals' treatment of older patients? EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY 2022; 48:2401-2407. [PMID: 35871030 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite NICE (2009; 2018) guidelines to treat breast cancer patients 'irrespective of age', older women experience differential treatment and worse outcomes beyond that which can be explained by patient health or patient choice. Research has evidenced the prevalence of ageism and identified the role of implicit bias in reflecting and perhaps perpetuating disparities across society, including in healthcare. Yet age bias has rarely been considered as an explanatory factor in poorer outcomes for older breast cancer patients. METHODS This mixed methods study explored age bias amongst breast cancer HCPs through four components: 1) An implicit associations test (31 HCPs) 2) A treatment recommendations questionnaire (46 HCPs). 3) An attitudes about older patients questionnaire (31 HCPs). 4) A treatment recommendations interview (20 HCPs). RESULTS This study showed that breast cancer HCPs held negative implicit associations towards older women; HCPs were less likely to recommend surgery for older patients; some HCPs held assumptions that older patients are more afraid, less willing and able to be involved in decision-making, and are less willing and able to cope with being informed of a poor treatment prognosis; and conditions which disproportionately affect older patients, such as dementia, are not always well understood by breast cancer HCPs. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that there are elements of age bias present amongst breast cancer HCPs. The study's findings of age-based assumptions and a poorer understanding of conditions which disproportionately affect older patients align with patterns of differential treatment towards older breast cancer patients suggesting that age bias may be, at least in part, driving differential treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Neal
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School. Brighton, UK.
| | | | - Ross Kenny
- Department of Breast Surgery, Surrey and Sussex NHS Trust, UK
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12
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Peritoneal metastases in elderly patients with colorectal cancer. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY 2022; 48:2558-2564. [PMID: 35662530 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2022.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the introduction of cytoreductive surgery with intraperitoneal chemotherapy and the development of new systemic anti-cancer agents, the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with peritoneal metastases has changed. Real-world data on the treatment of elderly patients and their clinical outcomes is lacking. METHODS All CRC patients diagnosed with synchronous peritoneal metastases (SPM) during 2008-2019 (n = 7,748) were identified from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Trends in treatment and postoperative mortality were described by age category (<70, 70-74, 75-79, ≥80 years) and period of diagnosis (2008-2013, 2014-2019). Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed, and log-rank tests were performed to evaluate differences in overall survival (OS). RESULTS With increasing age, less patients received multimodality treatment and systemic treatment. Of the patients aged <70 years, 38% underwent multimodality treatment and 35% palliative systemic therapy, declining to 4% and 12% in patients ≥80 years. A large and increasing proportion of elderly patients did not receive cancer-directed treatment, this increased from 32% in 2008-2013 to 41% in 2014-2019 in 75-79 years old patients and from 52% to 65% in ≥80 years old. Postoperative mortality decreased in all age categories over time, OS remained stable. The median OS of elderly patients ranged from 8 months in 70-74 years old to 3 months in patients aged ≥80 years. DISCUSSION Age strongly affects treatment of patients with SPM, with a large and increasing proportion of elderly patients not receiving cancer-directed treatment. Their prognosis remains very poor. There is a need for therapeutic options that are well tolerable for elderly patients.
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Weng X, Shen C, Van Scoy LJ, Boltz M, Joshi M, Wang L. End-of-Life Costs of Cancer Patients With Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias in the U.S. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 64:449-460. [PMID: 35931403 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT End-of-Life (EOL) care consumes a substantial amount of healthcare resources, especially among older persons with cancer. Having Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) brings additional complexities to these patients' EOL care. OBJECTIVES To examine the Medicare expenditures at the EOL (last 12 months of life) among beneficiaries having cancer and ADRD vs. those without ADRD. METHODS A retrospective cohort study used 2004-2016 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare data. Patient populations were deceased Medicare beneficiaries with cancer (breast, lung, colorectal, and prostate) and continuously enrolled for 12 months before death. Beneficiaries with ADRD were propensity score matched with non-ADRD counterparts. Generalized Estimating Equation Model was deployed to estimate monthly Medicare expenditures. Generalized Linear Models were constructed to assess total EOL expenditures. RESULTS Eighty six thousand three hundred ninety-six beneficiaries were included (43,198 beneficiaries with ADRD and 43,198 beneficiaries without ADRD). Beneficiaries with ADRD utilized $64,901 at the EOL, which was roughly $407 more than those without ADRD ($64,901 vs. $64,494, P = 0.31). Compared to beneficiaries without ADRD, those with ADRD had 11% higher monthly expenditure and 7% higher in total expenditures. Greater expenditure was incurred on inpatient (5%), skilled nursing facility (SNF) (119%), home health (42%), and hospice (44%) care. CONCLUSION Medicare spending at the EOL per beneficiary was not statistically different between cohorts. However, specific types of service (i.e., inpatient, SNF, home health, and hospice) were significantly higher in the ADRD group compared to their non-ADRD counterparts. This study underscored the potential financial burden and informed Medicare about allocation of resources at the EOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingran Weng
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine (X.W., C.S., L.J.V.S., L.W.), Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Chan Shen
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine (X.W., C.S., L.J.V.S., L.W.), Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA; Division of Outcomes, Research and Quality, Department of Surgery, Penn State College of Medicine (C.S.), Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lauren J Van Scoy
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine (X.W., C.S., L.J.V.S., L.W.), Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine (L.J.V.S.), Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Humanities, Penn State College of Medicine (L.J.V.S.), Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Marie Boltz
- Ross and Carole Nese Penn State College of Nursing (M.B.), University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Monika Joshi
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Penn State Cancer Institute (M.J.), Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine (X.W., C.S., L.J.V.S., L.W.), Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
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Li L, Zhan S, Naasan G, Ornstein KA, Taioli E, Mazumdar M, Jebakumar J, McCardle K, Liu B. Time trends in cancer and dementia related hospital admissions among Medicare fee-for-service population, 2013-2018. J Geriatr Oncol 2022; 13:1058-1061. [PMID: 35514016 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2022.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Li
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Institute for Healthcare Delivery Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Serena Zhan
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Institute for Healthcare Delivery Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Georges Naasan
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Katherine A Ornstein
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Emanuela Taioli
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Institute for Translational Epidemiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Madhu Mazumdar
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Institute for Healthcare Delivery Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Jebakaran Jebakumar
- Clinical Operations, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Ken McCardle
- Clinical Operations, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Bian Liu
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Institute for Translational Epidemiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America.
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A comparison of end-of-life care patterns between older patients with both cancer and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias versus those with only cancer. J Geriatr Oncol 2022; 13:1111-1121. [PMID: 36041992 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2022.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aggressive end-of-life (EOL) care that is not aligned with the preferences of persons with cancer has negative impacts on their quality of life. Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) could potentially complicate EOL care planning among persons with cancer. Little is known about the aggressive EOL care patterns among Medicare beneficiaries with both cancer and ADRD. MATERIALS AND METHODS A matched retrospective cohort was created using the 2004 to 2016 Surveillance, Epidemiology, End Results-Medicare (SEER-Medicare) data differentiated by beneficiaries' ADRD status. Beneficiaries with breast, lung, colorectal, or prostate cancer who died between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2016, were included. Six existing domains of aggressive EOL care and one overall indicator were derived. The major predictor was having ADRD comorbidity; other covariates included sex, marital status, census tract poverty indicator, race/ethnicity, metro status, geographic location, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), survival time, cancer site, and histology stage. Multivariable logistic regression models were deployed to estimate the odds of receiving aggressive EOL care. RESULTS The study sample was 135,380 people after the one-to-one propensity score matching. The prevalence of aggressive EOL care utilization was slightly lower in beneficiaries with both cancer and ADRD when compared to beneficiaries with cancer only (54% vs. 58%, p < 0.0001). Beneficiaries with both cancer and ADRD were less likely to receive aggressive EOL care (AOR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.86, 0.90) versus beneficiaries with cancer only. From the multivariable logistic regression model, certain beneficiaries' characteristics were associated with higher odds of receiving aggressive EOL care, such as: beneficiaries belonging to a racial/ethnic minority, a shorter survival time, and a higher CCI score. DISCUSSION The combined presence of ADRD and cancer was associated with lower odds of receiving aggressive EOL care compared to the presence of only cancer; however, the prevalence difference between the cohorts was not huge. Future studies could conduct in-depth evaluations of the ADRD's influence on the EOL care utilization.
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Hirooka K, Okumura Y, Matsumoto S, Fukahori H, Ogawa A. Quality of End-of-Life in Cancer Patients With Dementia: Using A Nationwide Inpatient Database. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 64:1-7. [PMID: 35367609 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The growing number of older people significantly affects end-of-life care. However, few studies have assessed the quality of end-of-life care among cancer patients with dementia. OBJECTIVES To assess the quality of end-of-life care among non-small cell lung cancer patients with or without dementia using a nationwide inpatient database from Japan. METHODS This was a retrospective observational study that used a nationwide inpatient database of 366 acute care hospitals from April 2014 to November 2018. Poisson regression models were used where the quality indicator was the dependent variable, dementia status was the independent variable, and the age group and Charlson comorbidity index were covariates. Incidence proportion ratios (IPRs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained from the model. RESULTS The study population included 16,758 patients, of whom 4507 (26.9%) had dementia. The incidence proportion of opioid use (61.8% vs. 70.8%; IPR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.83-0.91), palliative care consultation (2.7% vs. 3.8%; IPR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.58-0.88), mechanical ventilation (4.0% vs. 5.4%; IPR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.62-0.87), and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (2.2% vs. 2.8%; IPR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.63-0.99) was significantly lower in patients with dementia than in those without dementia. CONCLUSION Patients with dementia are less likely to receive end-of-life care. This study demonstrates the importance of providing high-quality end-of-life care regardless the cognitive status of patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayo Hirooka
- Department of Home Care Nursing, Graduate School of Health Care Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan (K.H.)
| | - Yasuyuki Okumura
- Initiative for Clinical Epidemiological Research, Tokyo, Japan (Y.O.).
| | - Sachiko Matsumoto
- Department of Gerontological Nursing, Japanese Red Cross College of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing at Saitama, Saitama, Japan (S.M.)
| | - Hiroki Fukahori
- Division of Gerontological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care, Keoi University, Kanagawa, Japan (H.F.)
| | - Asao Ogawa
- Psycho Oncology Division, Research Center for Innovative Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa-shiChiba, Japan (A.O.)
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Liu B, Kent EE, Dionne-Odom JN, Alpert N, Ornstein KA. A national profile of health-focused caregiving activities prior to a new cancer diagnosis. J Geriatr Oncol 2022; 13:454-461. [PMID: 34801426 PMCID: PMC9058151 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2021.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about how unpaid family caregivers may already be engaged in caregiving activities prior to their care recipient's cancer diagnosis. We examined pre-cancer diagnosis caregiving patterns and their association with caregiving strain. METHODS We conducted a population-based analysis of 2011-2017 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) linked with the National Study of Caregiving (NSOC) and Medicare claims data. Latent class analysis was used to examine patterns of 16 health-focused caregiving tasks (e.g., tracking medications, making appointments) of family caregivers assisting adults ≥65 years prior to an incident cancer diagnosis. High caregiving strain was defined as a total score ≥ 85th percentile of 6 caregiving strain items (e.g., financial difficulty, no time for self). Association between caregiving patterns and strain were examined using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for care recipient and caregiver characteristics. RESULTS An estimated 4.2 million caregivers cared for older adults prior to care recipients' new cancer diagnoses during 2011-2017. They engaged in a median of four health-focused caregiving activities. Nearly 1-in-5 (18.7%) pre-cancer caregivers had high caregiving strain. Caregivers were classified into 3 health-focused caregiving activity classes: Low-level (41.2%), Moderate-coordination (29.3%), and High-intensity (29.4%). Higher caregiving activity was associated with higher caregiving strain (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.85, 95% CI: 2.34-6.33). Caregivers in the High-intensity class had the highest caregiving strain (39.9%), and included more spouses (28.1% vs <18%). CONCLUSION One-third of U.S. caregivers who help older adults prior to their cancer diagnoses are already highly strained and engaged in high-level health-focused caregiving tasks. Oncology clinicians should assess the capacity and strain of family caregivers who may already be supporting patients with new cancer diagnoses and refer caregivers to additional supportive care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bian Liu
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Institute for Translational Epidemiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America.
| | - Erin E Kent
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - J Nicholas Dionne-Odom
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America; Center for Palliative and Supportive Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Naomi Alpert
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Institute for Translational Epidemiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Katherine A Ornstein
- Institute for Translational Epidemiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America; Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
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18
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Hynes C, Hodges VJ, Wyld L, Mitchell C. Cancer treatment decisions for people living with dementia: Experiences of family carers, a qualitative interview study. Health Expect 2022; 25:1131-1139. [PMID: 35297137 PMCID: PMC9122422 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As the UK population ages, the prevalence of both dementia and cancer will increase. Family carers of people with dementia who are subsequently diagnosed with cancer are often involved in treatment decisions about cancer. These decisions are uniquely challenging. Objectives To explore the experience of carers involved in cancer treatment decisions for people with dementia. Design A cross‐sectional qualitative interview study with inductive thematic analysis. Setting and Participants Sixteen carers of people with dementia were identified via Primary Care Research Networks and the Join Dementia Research database. Results Three main themes were derived: ‘already at breaking point’, which describes the extreme strain that carers were already under when the cancer diagnosis was made; ‘maintaining the status quo’, which describes how despite the gravity of a cancer diagnosis, avoiding further dementia‐related deterioration was of prime importance; and ‘LPA’, which explores the benefits and frustrations of the use of lasting powers of attorney. Discussion Current services are ill‐equipped to deal with people who have a combination of dementia and cancer. Proxy decisions about cancer care are made in the context of carer stress and exhaustion, which is exacerbated by shortcomings in service provision. Conclusions As the prevalence of comorbid cancer and dementia rises, there is an urgent need to improve services that support carers with proxy health care decision‐making. Patient or Public Contribution The study design was codeveloped with a local dementia‐specific patient and public involvement (PPI) group. A project‐specific PPI group was formed with support from the Alzheimer's Society Research Partnership scheme to provide further bespoke input.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Hynes
- Academic Unit of Primary Medical Care, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Victoria J Hodges
- Academic Unit of Primary Medical Care, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Lynda Wyld
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Caroline Mitchell
- Academic Unit of Primary Medical Care, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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