Functional status is well maintained in older women during adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer

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Abstract
Background: While adjuvant chemotherapy is known to improve survival in older women with breast cancer, there is little information about its effects on physical function and health-related quality of life. Patients and methods: ‘Young’ (Results: Physical, role and social function decreased during chemotherapy and emotional function improved (all P n = 45) than in older women (65–80 years; n = 20) (P P Conclusions: Physical function and other functional domains are impaired in postmenopausal women during adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer, but recover subsequently. Physical function appeared to be better maintained in the older women, who tolerated adjuvant chemotherapy well overall. A knowledge of these effects is important for clinical decision-making and when defining social support needs during adjuvant chemotherapy.