Declining functional status in older women with a history of breast cancer: implications for women's health nurses.

Older breast cancer survivors are at risk for a decline in functional status, which is associated with increased risk for disability, increased health care costs and increased risk of nursing home placement. The comprehensive geriatric assessment is a useful tool for identifying women with a history of breast cancer who are at increased risk for decline in functional status. Use of the comprehensive geriatric assessment will allow nurses to identify functional care needs and develop care plans and interventions that are aimed at maintenance of functional status.