Exploring the Impact of Gender and Income on Concerns Reported by Cancer Survivors Aged ≥85 Years in Canada: A Secondary Analysis of the Canadian Transitions Survey

TL;DR

This study explores how gender and income affect the experiences and concerns of cancer survivors aged 85 and older in Canada.

Contribution

The paper provides insights into how gender and income influence the survivorship experience of very elderly cancer survivors.

Findings

Most survivors expressed concerns about physical challenges and body changes.

Both male and female survivors appreciated attentive healthcare professionals.

Suggestions for improvement included better person-centred care and services for older adults.

Abstract

The number of older adults surviving cancer and its treatment is growing. However, cancer treatment leaves them with a range of challenges that can be difficult to manage. It is not clear if being male or female and the amount of financial resources one has makes a difference in the survivorship experience. Using written data from a nation-wide survey in Canada, the perspectives of 399 individuals in this age group were analyzed. They described concerns about physical issues and body image, positive experiences with attentive healthcare professionals, and recommendations for improvements in survivorship care about the need for services specifically organized for older adults. The study highlights the influence of living alone versus with others, community connections, and challenges with co-morbidities.

This study describes concerns, positive experiences and suggestions for improvement in survivorship care from the perspectives of cancer survivors aged ≥85 years based on gender and income levels. A national Canadian survey was conducted in 2016 focusing on cancer survivors’ needs and experiences with follow-up care after treatment. This paper reports a secondary analysis drawn from the survey data reported qualitatively. In total, 581 respondents aged ≥85 years responded, of which 399 confirmed gender and annual household income. Within this group, 201 were male, and 198 were female. Two-thirds of the males (n = 134 males, 66.7%) and 80.8% of the females (n = 160) reported annual household income under $50K (CAD). Limited differences were noted between survivors’ responses according to sex and/or income levels. Concerns focused on physical challenges and body changes. Positive comments reflected appreciation of the care provided by attentive healthcare professionals. Suggestions for improvement addressed the need for improved person-centred care and availability of services for older adults. The survivors faced a range of physical, emotional and practical challenges following cancer treatment. The study highlights the importance of considering how living alone or with others, community connection, and the burden of co-morbidities compounding physical challenges after cancer intersect to create unique situations for this age group.