Quality of life and health status in older adults

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is common in older adults, with more than 70% of diagnoses in people aged [greater than or equal to]65 years. Despite this, there is a knowledge gap regarding longer-term outcomes in this population. Here, we identify those older people most at risk of poor quality of life (QoL) and health status in the five years following CRC treatment. CREW is a UK longitudinal cohort study investigating factors associated with health and wellbeing recovery following curative-intent CRC surgery. Participants completed self-report questionnaires pre-surgery, then at least annually up to five years. Longitudinal analyses explored the prevalence and pre-surgery risk factors of poor QoL (QLACS-GSS) and health status (EQ-5D: presence/absence of problems in five domains) in older ([greater than or equal to]65 years) participants over five years. 501 participants aged [greater than or equal to]65years completed questionnaires pre-surgery; 45% completed questionnaires five years later. Oldest-old participants ([greater than or equal to]80 years) reported poorer QoL (18% higher QLACS-GSS) and 2-4 times higher odds of having problems with mobility or usual activities, compared with the youngest-old (65-69 years) over follow-up. Baseline higher self-efficacy was significantly associated with better QoL (10-30% lower QLACS-GSS scores compared to those with low self-efficacy) and lower odds of problems in all EQ-5D domains. Adequate social support was significantly associated with better QoL (8% lower QLACS-GSS) and lower odds of problems with usual activities (OR = 0.62) and anxiety/depression (OR = 0.56). There are important differences in QoL and health status outcomes for the oldest-old during CRC recovery. CREW reveals pre-surgery risk factors that are amenable to intervention including self-efficacy and social support.