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Supportive Care in Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer 9/2016

01-09-2016 | Commentary

Fall-risk prediction in older adults with cancer: an unmet need

Authors: Tanya M. Wildes, Brittany Depp, Graham Colditz, Susan Stark

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 9/2016

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Abstract

Falls in older adults with cancer are more common than in noncancer controls, yet no fall-risk screening tool has been validated in this population. We undertook a cross-sectional pilot study of the Falls Risk Questionnaire (FRQ) in 21 adults aged ≥65 receiving systemic cancer therapy. Participants completed the FRQ, geriatric assessment measures, and a measure of fear-of-falling. The recruitment rate was 87.5 %, with 95.2 % completion of the FRQ and additional geriatric assessment and quality of life measures. The FRQ correlated significantly with the Timed Up and Go test (Pearson r 0.479, p = 0.028). In addition, the FRQ score correlated directly with fear-of-falling and inversely with QOL, particularly physical health and neurotoxicity subscales. In conclusion, the FRQ was feasible in older adults receiving cancer therapy and correlates with measures of physical performance, functional status, and fear-of-falling. The FRQ may prove to be a valuable fall-risk screening tool to implement fall-prevention interventions in this vulnerable population of older adults with cancer.
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Metadata
Title
Fall-risk prediction in older adults with cancer: an unmet need
Authors
Tanya M. Wildes
Brittany Depp
Graham Colditz
Susan Stark
Publication date
01-09-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 9/2016
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-016-3312-1

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