Abstract
ObjectivesWe sought to quantify the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and physical function among endometrial cancer survivors. Understanding this relationship would help healthcare providers target efforts to refer obese endometrial cancer survivors to weight loss and exercise interventions.MethodsWe conducted a survey of 213 endometrial cancer survivors who received cancer care at an academic l health system between 2006 and 2010. Physical function subscale was quantified using physical functional component score from the SF-12 questionnaire. We compared physical function of endometrial cancer survivors to population-based age-standardized normative values.ResultsAmong the 213 patients, 16% were normal weight (BMI ≤25 kg/m2), and 52% were obese (≥30 kg/m2). Higher BMI categories were associated with lower physical function (Ptrend = 0.003), as a continuous variable each 5kg/m2 higher BMI, physical function score was lower by 0.15 points (β = -0.15; P = 0.045). Compared to population-based age-standardized normative values, patients <75yrs reported lower physical function, whereas patients ≥75yrs reported better physical function. BMI was the only covariate associated with differences in physical function between survivors and age-standardized normative values (P = 0.039).ConclusionsAmong endometrial cancer survivors, higher BMI is associated with lower physical function. Younger endometrial cancer survivors report lower physical function compared to age-standardized normative values. Healthcare providers should be aware that younger, obese endometrial cancer survivors may particularly benefit from interventions such as exercise and weight loss to increase or preserve physical function.
Highlights
Endometrial cancer is the fourth most common gynecologic cancer among women in the United States [1], and often diagnosed at an early stage, with a five-year survival rate of 81.7% [2]
Higher body mass index (BMI) categories were associated with lower physical function (Ptrend = 0.003), as a continuous variable each 5kg/m2 higher BMI, physical function score was lower by 0.15 points (β = -0.15; P = 0.045)
Higher BMI is associated with lower physical function
Summary
Endometrial cancer is the fourth most common gynecologic cancer among women in the United States [1], and often diagnosed at an early stage, with a five-year survival rate of 81.7% [2]. In 2015, there were over 600,000 endometrial cancer survivors in the United States [2]. Physical function is the ability to complete activities required for safe independent living. Quality of life may be compromised among individuals who are unable to independently complete essential activities of daily living [4]. Limitations in physical functioning predict clinical outcomes, including mortality and morbidity among the general population and cancer survivors [5,6,7,8,9]
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