The Impact of Comorbidity on Surgical Outcomes in Older Adults with Cancer
Abstract
Objectives To provide an overview of the impact of comorbidity on surgical outcomes and postoperative geriatric events in older adults with cancer, and review key components of quality perioperative nursing care of older adults with cancer.Data sources Journal articles, research reports, state of the science papers, position papers, and clinical guidelines from professional organizations.Conclusion The high prevalence of multiple comorbidities and the associated burden of geriatric events in older adults after cancer surgery have a substantial impact on surgical outcomes, quality of life, and health care costs. Practical and efficient models of comprehensive assessment, prevention, and management of postoperative geriatric events and comorbid conditions are needed to improve surgical outcomes for this vulnerable cancer population.Implications for nursing practice Oncology nurses practicing in clinical and research settings have a responsibility to arm themselves with evidence-based knowledge and resources to improve the perioperative care of older adults with cancer.
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Older adults who undergo cancer surgery face a higher risk of poor postoperative outcomes, including morbidity, longer hospital stays, and impaired functional status.
“Older adults undergoing cancer surgery are at greater risk for poor postoperative outcomes, including morbidity, increased length of hospital stay, and impaired functional status [5, 6].”
From Pilot study of a telehealth perioperative physical activity intervention for older adults with cancer and their caregivers (2020) · cites this paper as [5]
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- Authors
- Sun, V., Burhenn, P. S., Lai, L., & Hurria, A.
- Corresponding author
- Sun, Virginia
- Venue
- Seminars in Oncology Nursing
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2017-02
- Volume
- 33
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 80-86
- ISSN
- 0749-2081 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2569659567
- Cited by
- 15
- References
- 51
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 2 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 1
- FWCI
- 0.09
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Seminars in Oncology Nursing (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Geriatrics and Gerontology › Frailty in Older Adults
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Nutrition and Health in Aging
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine › Cardiac, Anesthesia and Surgical Outcomes
- Keywords
- comorbidities, older adults, cancer surgery, surgical outcomes, perioperative nursing, geriatric assessment, postoperative complications, quality of life, health care costs, oncology nursing
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Neoplasms, Oncology Nursing, Postoperative Complications, Quality of Life, Stress, Psychological, Comorbidity, Practice Guidelines as Topic
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