Authors

  1. Hile, Elizabeth S. PhD, PT, NCS, CLT

Abstract

Evidence suggests that a cancer history increases falls risk in older adults, a group already at higher risk based on advanced age alone. In geriatrics, falls are considered a multifactorial syndrome, generally associated with acquired impairments in postural control systems. Cancer treatments can initiate or worsen such impairments, so the cancer history should be a focus of the rehabilitative approach to older survivors. The purpose of this perspective article is to suggest a model for conducting a balance assessment that integrates evidence from the general geriatric literature with considerations unique to cancer survivorship, individualizing the approach to the survivor's diagnosis and treatment response.