Patient-reported pain severity is associated with shorter survival in older adults with newly diagnosed cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Pain is a prevalent and often undertreated symptom among older adults with cancer. This study examined whether self-reported pain levels are associated with overall survival (OS) in older adults newly diagnosed with cancer receiving chemotherapy.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients aged ≥ 65 years with newly diagnosed lung, colorectal, or breast cancer between 2017 and 2020, identified via a cancer registry at an academic medical center. Self-reported pain using the numeric rating scale (0-10), documented within 30 days of chemotherapy initiation, was categorized as none (0), mild (1-4), moderate (5-7), or severe (8-10). Baseline demographics, opioid use, and frailty (measured using a deficit accumulation approach) were collected. Kaplan-Meier w

SUBMITTER: Gabbard J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12296996 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature