Frailty in older Turkish cancer patients undergoing post-surgical adjuvant chemotherapy

Abstract

Background: Understanding the frailty levels of older patients undergoing surgery and chemotherapy will contribute to timely and reliable care practices and improve care outcomes. Aims: To determine the frailty of cancer patients who received chemotherapy treatment after surgery. Methods: This descriptive study included 192 Turkish patients aged over 60 years who received chemotherapy after surgery for cancer. Data were collected using a patient survey and the Edmonton Frailty Scale. Results: The average age of the participants was 66.3±5.3 years. Around 40% (40.6%) of the sample were diagnosed with breast cancer. The Edmonton Frailty Scale score of the group was 6.6 (SD±3.7). A quarter of the sample (22.9%) were at risk of frailty. Frailty levels were higher in older individuals with gastrointestinal cancers and other cancer groups compared with patients with breast cancer (p<0.001); patients with additional chronic diseases other than cancer (p=0.004); and in those with a history of falling and hospitalisation in the past year (p<0.001). Conclusions: Older patients with gastrointestinal cancer, additional chronic disease and a history of falling and hospitalisation within the past year should be evaluated closely for frailty before and during chemotherapy. It is crucial to consider the patient’s vulnerability when making care and treatment decisions for older patients with cancer. Understanding the frailty levels of older patients who undergo surgery and receive chemotherapy can help health professionals to decide on timely and reliable care practices and improve care outcomes.