Cancer and depression in older adults




Raúl Villanueva-Salazar, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Perú
Adriana Díaz-Baquerizo, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Perú
Ana L. Tintaya-Pelaes, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Perú
Cielo A. Estela-Fernández, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Perú
José F. Parodi, Facultad de Medicina Humana, Centro de Investigación del Envejecimiento (CIEN), Universidad de San Martín de Porres, Lima, Perú
Fernando Runzer-Colmenares, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Científica del Sur; CHANGE Research Working Group. Lima, Perú


Background: Oncological diseases lead to the expression of multiple adverse reactions, which can be physical or mental. Objective: To determine the association between adverse reactions in older people undergoing oncological treatment and depression. Method: Observational design, retrospective cohort type. The population consisted of men aged 60 years or older with cancer. Depression was analysed as a risk factor in the presentation of adverse reactions to oncological treatment. Results: A total of 24.62% (n = 277) presented adverse reactions to treatment. A mean of 2.89 was found in the Yesavage score, finding an increase in the questionnaire in relation to the number of adverse reactions. This correlation was quantified in a linear regression model adjusted for sociodemographic and geriatric assessment variables, finding a β coefficient of 1.99 with a 95% confidence interval of 1.13-3.22 (p < 0.01), and in a model adjusted for oncological assessment variables, calculating a β coefficient of 1.32 with a 95% confidence interval of 1.13-1.79 (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Adverse reactions were associated with an even higher score on the Yesavage questionnaire, which would suggest a relationship between depression and greater adverse reactions.