Patient-reported and objectively measured physical function in older breast cancer survivors and cancer-free controls

Objectives

Older breast cancer survivors (BCS) consistently report more functional limitations than women without cancer, but whether or not these differences remain when using objective measures of physical functioning and the correlates of these measures is unknown.

Methods

Cross-sectional study comparing older (≥60?years old) BCS (n?=?84) to similarly aged women without cancer (n?=?40). Patient-reported physical function was assessed by the SF-36 physical function (SF-36PF) subscale and the Late Life Function & Disability Instrument (LLFDI). Objective measures included the short Physical Performance Battery (sPPB), usual walk speed (m/s), chair stand time (sec) and, grip strength (kg). Potential predictors included age, comorbidities, symptom severity, fatigue and skeletal muscle index (SMI; kg/m²).

Results

Patient-reported physical function was significantly lower in BCS than controls using SF-36PF (47.3?±?0.1 vs. 52.9?±?4.0, p?

Conclusion

Older BCS should be screened for functional limitations using simple standardized objective tests and interventions that focus on improving strength and reducing fatigue should be tested.