THE PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT OF CANCER ON OLDER VERSUS YOUNGER PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Past studies of the psychosocial aspects of cancer have been largely d escriptive, with little discussion of differences among cancer patient s. Age differences have been noted repeatedly in studies of the effect s of various cancer treatments. To determine whether age differences a re also present the prevalence of various psychosocial problems often associated with cancer, analyses of data obtained from several differe nt studies of Rhode Island cancer patients' psychosocial conditions we re conducted, comparing the responses of older and younger patients. P sychosocial factors examined included multiple measures of functional quality of life, emotional well-being, social consequences, knowledge and use of formal services, and familial reactions. The studies examin ed included newly diagnosed patients and those undergoing outpatient r adiation or chemotherapy for recurrent disease. Except in functional s tatus measures, older persons with cancer manifested fewer and less se vere psychosocial problems. The authors contend that older patients ha ve fewer competing demands on their time and resources than do younger patients. This, along with different expectations, may mitigate the n egative impact of the specific psychosocial consequences of the diseas e and its treatment.