Title : Unveiling Psychological Perspectives on Aging Minds and Cancer: A Review

Vol 6 No 12 (2023): Volume 06 Issue 12 December 2023

Article Date Published : 26 December 2023 | Page No.: 8237-8245 | Google Scholar | Crossref doi for this article

Abstract :

In geriatric oncology, the intersection of aging complexities and cancer care intricacies shapes the journey of elderly individuals facing cancer. This review explores emotional, cognitive, and social dynamics influencing their experiences and care.

Following a cancer diagnosis, older adults navigate a spectrum of emotions—from shock to resilience—crucial in shaping coping strategies and treatment decisions. The toll of cancer treatments, compounded by age-related vulnerabilities, underscores the need for tailored care plans that account for social and familial dynamics.

Cognitive functions undergo shifts influenced by aging and treatments, emphasizing the importance of understanding these changes in decision-making processes. Caregiver-patient relationships emerge as pivotal, impacting cognitive well-being and necessitating interventions supporting both parties.

Psychological interventions, from counselling to mindfulness practices, offer avenues for comprehensive care. Integrating these interventions into multidisciplinary care fosters resilience and enriches survivorship experiences among elderly cancer patients.

This review advocates a personalized approach in geriatric oncology, emphasizing tailored interventions and comprehensive care strategies that honour individual experiences. Future research directions focus on exploring emotional resilience, cognitive adaptability, and intervention outcomes to enhance care for elderly individuals navigating cancer’s challenges.

In conclusion, geriatric oncology demands personalized, multidisciplinary care strategies that integrate psychological support and acknowledge the complexities of aging. This integration marks a transformative shift towards holistic care, paving the way for tailored and effective interventions supporting elderly patients throughout their cancer journey.

Keywords :

Cognitive functions, Comprehensive care, Emotional resilience, Geriatric oncology, Psychological interventions.

References :

  1. Pergolotti M, Battisti NML, Padgett L, Sleight AG, Abdallah M, Newman R, et al. Embracing the complexity: Older adults with cancer-related cognitive decline—A Young International Society of Geriatric Oncology position paper. J Geriatr Oncol 2020;11:237–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JGO.2019.09.002.
  2. Pathi N, Parikh PM, Banerjee J, Tilak T, Prem NN, Pillai A. Unmet Needs in Geriatric Oncology. South Asian J Cancer 2023;12:221–7. https://doi.org/10.1055/S-0043-1771441/ID/JR2311132-38/BIB.
  3. Trevino KM, Stern A, Prigerson HG. Adapting psychosocial interventions for older adults with cancer: A case example of Managing Anxiety from Cancer (MAC). J Geriatr Oncol 2020;11:1319–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgo.2020.03.012.
  4. DuMontier C, Loh KP, Soto-Perez-de-Celis E, Dale W. Decision Making in Older Adults With Cancer. J Clin Oncol 2021;39:2164–74. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.21.00165.
  5. Somayaji KH, Handorf E, Meeker CR, Lewis B, Filchner K, Goldstein LJ, et al. Psychosocial needs of older patients with metastatic breast cancer treated at community centers. J Geriatr Oncol 2023;14:101444. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JGO.2023.101444.
  6. Elias R, Loh KP, Targia V, Whitehead M, Canin B, Jatoi A, et al. Behavioral, psychological, and supportive care interventions in geriatric oncology: The Cancer and Aging Research Group infrastructure core. J Geriatr Oncol 2020;11:347–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JGO.2019.07.019.
  7. Noronha V, Ramaswamy A, Dhekle R, Talreja V, Gota V, Gawit K, et al. Initial experience of a geriatric oncology clinic in a tertiary cancer center in India. Cancer Research, Statistics, and Treatment 2020;3:208–17. https://doi.org/10.4103/CRST.CRST_119_20.
  8. Couderc AL, Boulahssass R, Nouguerède E, Gobin N, Guérin O, Villani P, et al. Functional status in a geriatric oncology setting: A review. J Geriatr Oncol 2019;10:884–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JGO.2019.02.004.
  9. Deshields TL, Gregorio SW-D, Flowers SR, Irwin KE, Nipp R, Padgett L, et al. Addressing distress management challenges: Recommendations from the consensus panel of the American Psychosocial Oncology Society and the Association of Oncology Social Work. CA Cancer J Clin 2021;71:407–36. https://doi.org/10.3322/CAAC.21672.
  10. Scotté F, Bossi P, Carola E, Cudennec T, Dielenseger P, Gomes F, et al. Addressing the quality of life needs of older patients with cancer: a SIOG consensus paper and practical guide. Annals of Oncology 2018;29:1718–26. https://doi.org/10.1093/ANNONC/MDY228.
  11. Klepin HD, Wildes TM. Fighting for the integration of geriatric principles into oncology. J Geriatr Oncol 2018;9:705–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgo.2018.05.013.
  12. Drury A, O’Brien A, O’Connell L, Cosgrave S, Hannan M, Smyth C, et al. Setting a Patient-Driven Agenda for Cancer Research Priorities in Geriatric Oncology: A Qualitative Study. Semin Oncol Nurs 2023;39:151463. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SONCN.2023.151463.
  13. Pisu M, Azuero A, Halilova KI, Williams CP, Kenzik KM, Kvale EA, et al. Most impactful factors on the health-related quality of life of a geriatric population with cancer. Cancer 2018;124:596–605. https://doi.org/10.1002/CNCR.31048.
  14. Goede V, Stauder R. Multidisciplinary care in the hematology clinic: Implementation of geriatric oncology. J Geriatr Oncol 2019;10:497–503. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JGO.2018.09.003.
  15. Ashing KT, Soto-Perez-de-Celis E. Disparities within a disparity: Global health and health equity in geriatric oncology. J Geriatr Oncol 2020;11:200–2. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JGO.2019.06.007.
  16. Sourdet S, Brechemier D, Steinmeyer Z, Gerard S, Balardy L. Impact of the comprehensive geriatric assessment on treatment decision in geriatric oncology. BMC Cancer 2020;20:1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/S12885-020-06878-2/TABLES/4.
  17. Okumura M, Ono R. Frailty and Mental Health in Older Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer. Physical Therapy and Research in Patients with Cancer 2023:417–40. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-6710-8_19/COVER.
  18. Pergolotti M, Lyons KD, Williams GR. Moving beyond symptom management towards cancer rehabilitation for older adults: Answering the 5W’s. J Geriatr Oncol 2018;9:543–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JGO.2017.11.009.
  19. Sun V, Puts M, Haase K, Pilleron S, Hannan M, Sattar S, et al. The Role of Family Caregivers in the Care of Older Adults with Cancer. Semin Oncol Nurs 2021;37:151232. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SONCN.2021.151232.
  20. Kadambi S, Soto-Perez-de-Celis E, Garg T, Loh KP, Krok-Schoen JL, Battisti NML, et al. Social support for older adults with cancer: Young International Society of Geriatric Oncology review paper. J Geriatr Oncol 2020;11:217–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JGO.2019.09.005.
  21. Haase KR, Sattar S, Pilleron S, Lambrechts Y, Hannan M, Navarrete E, et al. A scoping review of ageism towards older adults in cancer care. J Geriatr Oncol 2023;14:101385. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JGO.2022.09.014.
  22. Verduzco-Aguirre HC, Babu D, Mohile SG, Bautista J, Xu H, Culakova E, et al. Associations of Uncertainty With Psychological Health and Quality of Life in Older Adults With Advanced Cancer. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021;61:369-376.e1. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JPAINSYMMAN.2020.08.012.
  23. Leung B, Shokoohi A, Bates A, Ho C. Patient-reported psychosocial needs and psychological distress predict survival in geriatric oncology patients. J Geriatr Oncol 2021;12:612–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JGO.2020.10.001.
  24. Silva S, Bártolo A, Santos IM, Pereira A, Monteiro S. Towards a Better Understanding of the Factors Associated with Distress in Elderly Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022;19. https://doi.org/10.3390/IJERPH19063424.
  25. Soto-Perez-de-Celis E, Sun CL, Tew WP, Mohile SG, Gajra A, Klepin HD, et al. Association between patient-reported hearing and visual impairments and functional, psychological, and cognitive status among older adults with cancer. Cancer 2018;124:3249–56. https://doi.org/10.1002/CNCR.31540.
  26. Alexander S, Bridges J, Kalsi T, Meltzer D, Lewis I, Seymour M. Improving outcomes for older people with cancer – A workshop of the UK National Cancer Research Institute. J Geriatr Oncol 2019;10:378–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JGO.2019.01.025.
  27. Chapman AE, Elias R, Plotkin E, Lowenstein LM, Swartz K. Models of Care in Geriatric Oncology. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2021;39:2195. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.21.00118.
  28. Williams GR, Weaver KE, Lesser GJ, Dressler E, Winkfield KM, Neuman HB, et al. Capacity to Provide Geriatric Specialty Care for Older Adults in Community Oncology Practices. Oncologist 2020;25:1032–8. https://doi.org/10.1634/THEONCOLOGIST.2020-0189.
  29. Extermann M, Brain E, Canin B, Cherian MN, Cheung KL, de Glas N, et al. Priorities for the global advancement of care for older adults with cancer: an update of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology Priorities Initiative. Lancet Oncol 2021;22:e29–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(20)30473-3.
  30. O’Hanlon S, O’Donovan A, Cree A. Geriatric oncology: assessing the needs of older people with cancer. Https://DoiOrg/1012968/Hmed2019805252 2019;80:252–7. https://doi.org/10.12968/HMED.2019.80.5.252.
  31. Webb T, Verduzco-Aguirre HC, Rao AR, Ramaswamy A, Noronha V. Addressing the Needs of Older Adults With Cancer in Low- and Middle-Income Settings. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2022;42:1–10. https://doi.org/10.1200/EDBK_349829.
  32. Hsu T, Elias R, Swartz K, Chapman A. Developing Sustainable Cancer and Aging Programs. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2023;43:e390980. https://doi.org/10.1200/EDBK_390980.
  33. Presley CJ, Krok-Schoen JL, Wall SA, Noonan AM, Jones DC, Folefac E, et al. Implementing a multidisciplinary approach for older adults with Cancer: Geriatric oncology in practice. BMC Geriatr 2020;20:1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/S12877-020-01625-5/FIGURES/1.
  34. Huda N, Shaw MK, Chang HJ. Psychological Distress Among Patients With Advanced Cancer: A Conceptual Analysis. Cancer Nurs 2022;45:E487-e503. https://doi.org/10.1097/ncc.0000000000000940.
  35. Guimond AJ, Ivers H, Savard J. Is emotion regulation associated with cancer-related psychological symptoms? Psychol Health 2019;34:44–63. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2018.1514462.
  36. Paley CA, Boland JW, Santarelli M, Murtagh FEM, Ziegler L, Chapman EJ. Non-pharmacological interventions to manage psychological distress in patients living with cancer: a systematic review. BMC Palliative Care 2023 22:1 2023;22:1–35. https://doi.org/10.1186/S12904-023-01202-8.
  37. Zhang A, Hu R, Wang K, Antalis EP. Age moderates the association between psychological distress and engagement in mindfulness among cancer patients and survivors: A population-based study. J Psychosoc Oncol 2020;38:513–26. https://doi.org/10.1080/07347332.2020.1764158.
  38. Milbury K, Li Y, Durrani S, Liao Z, Tsao AS, Carmack C, et al. A Mindfulness‐Based Intervention as a Supportive Care Strategy for Patients with Metastatic Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer and Their Spouses: Results of a Three‐Arm Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Oncologist 2020;25:e1794–802. https://doi.org/10.1634/THEONCOLOGIST.2020-0125.
  39. Oberoi D, Martopullo C, Bultz BD, Carlson LE. The effectiveness of a men-only supportive expressive group therapy intervention for psychosocial health outcomes in gastrointestinal cancer patients: a 6-month longitudinal study. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2021;19:1–14. https://doi.org/10.1186/S12955-021-01687-Y/TABLES/6.
  40. Villani D, Cognetta C, Repetto C, Serino S, Toniolo D, Scanzi F, et al. Promoting emotional well-being in older breast cancer patients: Results from an eHealth intervention. Front Psychol 2018;9:415787. https://doi.org/10.3389/FPSYG.2018.02279/BIBTEX.
  41. Santa Mina D, Alibhai SMH. Prehabilitation in geriatric oncology. J Geriatr Oncol 2020;11:731–4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgo.2019.05.017.
  42. Hejazi F, Bahrami M, Keshvari M, Alavi M. The Effect of a Communicational Program on Psychological Distress in the Elderly Suffering from Cancer. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res 2017;22:201. https://doi.org/10.4103/1735-9066.208158.
  43. Loh KP, Abdallah M, Kumar AJ, Neuendorff NR, Dahiya S, Klepin HD. Health-Related Quality of Life and Treatment of Older Adults with Acute Myeloid Leukemia: a Young International Society of Geriatric Oncology Review Paper. Curr Hematol Malig Rep 2019;14:523–35. https://doi.org/10.1007/S11899-019-00552-6/METRICS.
  44. Mira A, Bretón-López J, Enrique Á, Castilla D, García-Palacios A, Baños R, et al. Exploring the incorporation of a positive psychology component in a cognitive behavioral internet-based program for depressive symptoms. Results throughout the intervention process. Front Psychol 2018;9. https://doi.org/10.3389/FPSYG.2018.02360/FULL.
  45. Jensen-Johansen MB, O’Toole MS, Christensen S, Valdimarsdottir H, Zakowski S, Bovbjerg DH, et al. Expressive writing intervention and self-reported physical health out-comes – Results from a nationwide randomized controlled trial with breast cancer patients. PLoS One 2018;13:e0192729. https://doi.org/10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0192729.
  46. Nan JKM, Pang KSY, Lam KKF, Szeto MML, Sin SFY, So CSC. An expressive-arts-based life-death education program for the elderly: A qualitative study. Death Stud 2020;44:131–40. https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2018.1527413.
  47. Tutino RC, Saracino RM, Kelman J, Schofield EA, Roth AJ, Nelson CJ. Cancer and aging: Reflections for elders- Expressive writing intervention: A pilot study. J Geriatr Oncol 2022;13:706–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JGO.2022.02.009.
  48. Kanesvaran R, Mohile S, Soto-Perez-de-Celis E, Singh H. The Globalization of Geriatric Oncology: From Data to Practice. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2020;40:1–9. https://doi.org/10.1200/EDBK_279513.
  49. Dale W, Klepin HD, Williams GR, Alibhai SMH, Bergerot C, Brintzenhofeszoc K, et al. Practical Assessment and Management of Vulnerabilities in Older Patients Receiving Systemic Cancer Therapy: ASCO Guideline Update. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2023;41:4293–312. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.23.00933.
  50. Hamaker M, Gijzel S, Rostoft S, van den Bos F. Intrinsic capacity and resilience: Taking frailty to the next level. J Geriatr Oncol 2023;14:101421. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JGO.2022.101421.
  51. Tolstrup LK, Ditzel HM, Giger AKW, Jørgensen TL, Ryg J, Dieperink KB. Determinants of poor quality of life in older patients with cancer: A longitudinal mixed methods study (PROGNOSIS-Q). J Geriatr Oncol 2023;14:101500. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JGO.2023.101500.
  52. Hamaker ME, te Molder M, Thielen N, van Munster BC, Schiphorst AH, van Huis LH. The effect of a geriatric evaluation on treatment decisions and outcome for older cancer patients – A systematic review. J Geriatr Oncol 2018;9:430–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JGO.2018.03.014.
  53. Sakamoto N, Takiguchi S, Komatsu H, Okuyama T, Nakaguchi T, Kubota Y, et al. Supportive care needs and psychological distress and/or quality of life in ambulatory advanced colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: a cross-sectional study. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2017;47:1157–61. https://doi.org/10.1093/JJCO/HYX152.
  54. Levkovich I, Cohen M, Alon S, Kuchuk I, Nissenbaum B, Evron E, et al. Symptom cluster of emotional distress, fatigue and cognitive difficulties among young and older breast cancer survivors: The mediating role of subjective stress. J Geriatr Oncol 2018;9:469–75. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JGO.2018.05.002.
  55. Alemania E, Hind A, Samara J, Turner M, Ralph N, Paterson C. Nurse-led interventions among older adults affected by cancer: An integrative review. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2023;10. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.APJON.2023.100289.
  56. Faccio F, Renzi C, Giudice A V., Pravettoni G. Family resilience in the oncology setting: Development of an integrative framework. Front Psychol 2018;9. https://doi.org/10.3389/FPSYG.2018.00666/FULL.
  57. Wong ML, Lichtman SM, Morrow GR, Simmons J, Hargraves T, Gross CP, et al. Geriatric oncology health services research: Cancer and Aging Research Group infrastructure core. J Geriatr Oncol 2020;11:350–4. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JGO.2019.07.012.
  58. Martín-Abreu CM, Hernández R, Cruz-Castellanos P, Fernández-Montes A, Lorente-Estellés D, López-Ceballos H, et al. Dignity and psychosocial related variables in elderly advanced cancer patients. BMC Geriatr 2022;22:1–8. https://doi.org/10.1186/S12877-022-03423-7/TABLES/3.
  59. Williams GR, Kenzik KM, Parman M, Al-Obaidi M, Francisco L, Rocque GB, et al. Integrating geriatric assessment into routine gastrointestinal (GI) consultation: The Cancer and Aging Resilience Evaluation (CARE). J Geriatr Oncol 2020;11:270–3. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JGO.2019.04.008.
  60. Bauereiß N, Obermaier S, Özünal SE, Baumeister H. Effects of existential interventions on spiritual, psychological, and physical well-being in adult patients with cancer: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Psychooncology 2018;27:2531–45. https://doi.org/10.1002/PON.4829.
  61. Disalvo D, Moth E, Soo WK, Garcia M V., Blinman P, Steer C, et al. The effect of comprehensive geriatric assessment on care received, treatment completion, toxicity, cancer-related and geriatric assessment outcomes, and quality of life for older adults receiving systemic anti-cancer treatment: A systematic review. J Geriatr Oncol 2023;14:101585. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JGO.2023.101585.
  62. Liposits G, Singhal S, Krok-Schoen JL. Interventions to improve nutritional status for older patients with cancer – a holistic approach is needed. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2023;17:15–21. https://doi.org/10.1097/SPC.0000000000000630.

How to Cite :

Unveiling Psychological Perspectives on Aging Minds and Cancer: A Review. Mithesh M, Dr. Praveen K Sheelam , 6(12), 8237-8245. Retrieved from https://ijcsrr.org/single-view/?id=14115&pid=13554

Most read articles by the same author(s)

Mithesh M, Dr. Praveen K Sheelam,

View

96

Citation

Downloads

Article Details