Cancer is common in old age; more than 60% of all malignancies are found in 12% of
the population 65 years and older. Objective: To identify the coping behaviors and the health
related quality of life of geriatric patients with cancer, to determine the relationship between
coping behaviors and health related quality of life of geriatric patients with cancer. Setting:
The outpatient clinic in Mansoura University Oncology Center. Subjects: The study was
carried out on 143 geriatric patients diagnosed with cancer. Tools: Three tools were used for
data collection: Socio demographic and clinical data structured interview schedule, Jaloweic
Coping Scale and EORTC-QLQ-C30 Version 3.0 Questionnaire. Results: A statistically
significant relation was found between Affective-oriented coping behaviors and Problem
oriented coping behaviors. Also, between problem-oriented coping behaviors and Global
health status/QoL. Conclusion: Geriatric patients with cancer used affective oriented coping
behaviors more than problem oriented coping behaviors to adapt with their condition. Also
they have a poor QoL and symptom problem. Recommendations: Education of geriatric
patients with cancer how to use problem solving coping strategies rather than emotional
coping strategies.