Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia and Symptom Distress in Younger and Older Women With Breast Cancer: Intergroup Differences and Impact on Functional Status
Abstract
The purpose of this training grant is to facilitate development of breast cancer (BC) clinical research skills, particularly related to issues relevant to older women. The research training program encompasses didactic coursework, secondary analysis. and dissertation research within the doctoral program at the School of Nursing, and intensive mentored clinical research training at the Abramson Cancer Center, both at the University of Pennsylvania. A secondary analysis was conducted to longitudinally compare symptom distress and functional status in older (n=26) versus younger (n=163) women receiving 4-8 cycles of adjuvant BC chemotherapy. Compared to younger women, older women trended towards greater declines in functional status from baseline to cycle 4. Older women had significantly lower symptom distress during the first week following chemotherapy than did younger women, but no difference were seen at any other timepoint. Age, race, baseline functional status, and coincident change in symptom distress together explained 55.9% of the variance in functional status change between cycle 1 and 4 (p,0.0001). Secondary analysis is complete with preliminary findings presented in poster format and final results planned for oral presentation in Nov 2005. Twelve of 13 required courses for the Ph.D. have been completed, the dissertation research proposal defended, and dissertation data collection will begin 4th quarter 2005.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA443916
Entities
People
- Carrie Stricker
Organizations
- University of Pennsylvania