Prevalence and incidence of falls in older adults with cancer: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Abstract Purpose To determine the prevalence and incidence of falls and fall-related injuries in community-dwelling older adults with a diagnosis of cancer and examine whether falls prevalence varies with specific cancer characteristics. Methods A systematic search of five databases was conducted. Studies that included community-dwelling adults with a mean age ≥ 60 years with a current or past diagnosis of cancer and that reported data on the prevalence and/or incidence of falls and/or fall-related injuries were included. Prevalence and incidence rates of falls were pooled for meta-analysis, and meta-regression was used to investigate associations between cancer characteristics (e.g. cancer type and cancer treatment received) and prevalence of falls. Results Fifty-seven studies with sample sizes ranging from 51–146,959 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of older adults with cancer who fell in the last 6 months (25%; 95% CI 19%, 32%) and 12 months (29%; 95% CI 24%, 34%) was similar. Subgroup analysis showed that the pooled prevalence of falls for older adults with breast cancer was higher (26%; 95% CI 22%, 30%) compared to those with prostate (14%; 95% CI 9%, 20%) or colorectal cancer (13%; 95% CI 11%, 16%). Conclusions The overall prevalence of falls amongst community-dwelling older adults with cancer is relatively similar compared to the general older adult population, noting that fall events may have been under-reported. Implications for Cancer Survivors Falls are common amongst older adults with cancer, but the link between cancer characteristics and exposure to falls risk requires further investigation to better understand the risk factors specific to cancer survivors.