Multimorbidity and breast cancer

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the significance of multimorbidity in breast cancer survivors, to explore multimorbidity in treatment decisions, and survivorship, and to consider multimorbidity assessment in clinical practice.

Data sources: Literature review; clinical practice guidelines.

Conclusion: Multimorbidity influences treatment decisions. Breast cancer survivors report greater multimorbidity compared with other cancer survivors. Multimorbidity increases with age; there may be racial and ethnic differences. Multimorbidity is associated with symptom burden, functional decline, low adherence to surveillance, and early retirement.

Implications for nursing practice: Clinical practice guidelines do not refer to multimorbidity and patient outcomes. Comprehensive geriatric assessment combined with survivorship care plan may be considered.

Keywords: Breast cancer; comprehensive geriatric assessment; geroscience; multimorbidity; survivorship care plans.