Quality of life in older people with cancer - a gender perspective

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Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate quality of life (QoL) and its association with sense of coherence (SOC), complaints, comorbidity, social resources, perceived economic situation and receiving help for daily living, investigating differences between women and men aged 75 and above with cancer and comparing women and men aged 75 and above without cancer. A further aim was to identify which of these factors were associated with low QoL in older people with cancer. The sample consisted of women (n = 74) and men (n = 76) with the inclusion criteria aged 75 and above and a cancer disease, and a matched comparison group of women (n = 64) and men (n = 74) without cancer. EORTC QLQ C-30, SF-12 and SOC-13 were used. Women with cancer were more vulnerable than their male counterparts in QoL, SOC, perceived economic situation and social resources. Factors associated with low QoL in older people with cancer were receiving help for daily living, comorbidity, degree of complaints and pain. From a caring perspective the findings suggest a focus on symptoms and treatment, to acquire an understanding of how a cancer disease, comorbidity and various complaints affect QoL and independence in older women and men and to intervene accordingly. It also suggests that socio-economic and social problems and needs influence their treatment and care and therefore should be in focus.