Abstract :
[en] Background: Identifying older people affected by cancer who are more at risk of negative
health outcomes is a major issue in health initiatives focusing on medical effectiveness. In this
regard, psychological risk factors such as patients’ perception of their own aging and cancer
could be used as indicators to improve customization of cancer care. We hypothesize that
more negative self-perception of aging (SPA) and view of cancer could be linked to worse
physical and mental health outcomes in cancer patients.
Methods: 101 patients diagnosed with cancer (breast, gynecological, lung or hematological)
were followed for one year. They were evaluated on four occasions (baseline, 3, 6 and 12
months after the baseline). Their SPA, view of cancer and health (physical and mental) were
assessed at each time of evaluation.
Results: Negative SPA and/or view of cancer at baseline are associated with negative
evolution of patients’ physical and mental health. Moreover, when the evolution of SPA and
cancer view were taken into account, these two stigmas are still linked with the evolution of
mental health. In comparison, only a negative evolution of SPA was linked to worse physical
health outcomes.
Conclusions: Such results indicate that SPA and view of cancer could be used as markers of
vulnerability in older people with cancer.
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