INTRODUCTION: Falls are a significant health concern among older adults, particularly those with cancer, due to aging-related frailty, treatment-related adverse effects, and comorbidities. Existing reviews have highlighted the burden of falls in this population
however, the absence of a comprehensive meta-analysis to synthesize pooled results from relevant studies has limited the generalizability of their findings. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the global prevalence of falls among older adults with cancer and provide evidence to guide prevention efforts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases was conducted through October 2024, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies reporting fall prevalence in patients with cancer aged 65 years or older were included. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated using a random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: Seventy-six studies, including 177,212 participants, met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of falls was 24 % (95 % confidence interval [CI], 20
28), with significant heterogeneity (I DISCUSSION: Falls are frequent among older adults with cancer, with prevalence varying by cancer type, geographic region, and follow-up duration.