J Geriatr Oncol
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Extensive physical deterioration as a consequence of both cancer and surgical treatment can lead to increased care needs and decreased well-being. Information on short-term physical decline and patient-reported recovery in older patients undergoing abdominal cancer surgery is still sparse. We aimed to describe the short-term changes and study the associations between preoperative physical performance and postoperative mobility, as well as patient-reported recovery in this patient group. ⋯ This study adds information regarding the magnitude of short-term physical decline and factors associated with postoperative mobility. It may be important to improve functional leg strength and physical capacity through exercise prior to abdominal cancer surgery to reduce postoperative physical decline.
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Clinical judgement may not be sufficient to detect relevant problems in older cancer patients. We investigated what Geriatric Assessment tools (GA) are used by Canadian radiation oncologists (CROs) to treat non-metastatic prostate cancer patients aged 80 years and older. ⋯ GAs are not commonly utilized by CROs. Majority of CROs felt comfortable treating older patients with prostate cancer, regardless of guidelines/evidence in this population. This may have negative implications on patient care. CROs are however open to referring patients for a formal GA.