Association of Dietary Quality, Inflammatory Markers, and Physical Functioning among Older Female Cancer Survivors

One area within geriatric oncology that is understudied and undertreated is the dietary quality of older cancer survivors. Most older adults with cancer experience nutritional deficits due to their age and cancer treatment. Research has shown the impact of competing comorbidities, polypharmacy, and decline in functional and cognitive status on older adults' nutritional needs. This study sought to examine the diet quality of older female cancer survivors, and its association with inflammatory markers and physical functioning. Participants completed surveys online, by mail, or phone. Additional participant information was obtained through medical records. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlations, forward linear regressions were used to analyze these data. Older female cancer survivors (>= 65) that had completed their initial cancer treatment in the past 5 years were recruited through cancer clinic visits and medical records. The study was conducted from November 2018 through January 2020. Self-reported physical functioning (RAND-36), diet quality (DHQ-II, HEI-2015), and BMI were obtained from surveys. Participant diagnosis, comorbidities, and inflammatory marker (c-reactive protein (CRP)) were obtained through electronic medical records; albumin was collected as a marker correlated with inflammation. The average age of participants (n = 171) was 73.6 +/- 8.4 years. Mean physical functioning score was 60 +/- 24 out of 100. Mean total HEI scores were 66.39 + 10.0 out of 100. Positive correlations were observed between total HEI scores and physical functioning, self-rated health, albumin, education, and income. Negative correlations were observed between physical functioning and BMI, self-rated health, albumin, and age. Regressions indicated that individuals who had higher HEI scores were more likely to report higher physical functioning (beta = 0.38, P < 0.001). Identifying dietary quality and markers to overall assess inflammation is pertinent to improve the long-term health of cancer survivors. The strong correlations between physical function, HEI, and albumin demonstrates the relationship albumin has with inflammation and its subtle impact it can have on older cancer survivors. Along with CRP, serum albumin should be interpreted in the context of the patient's overall health. Future larger cohort studies of older cancer survivors with longitudinal measurements are warranted.