Abstract
PurposeObesity is prevalent in gynecological cancer survivors and is associated with impaired health outcomes. Concerns due to cancer and its treatment may impact changes in lifestyle after cancer. This study aimed to assess the association between cancer-related psychosocial factors and changes in physical activity and diet, 18 months after initial treatment among gynecological cancer survivors.MethodsCross-sectional data from the ROGY Care study were used, including endometrial and ovarian cancer patients treated with curative intent. The Impact of Cancer Scale (IOCv2) was used to assess cancer-related psychosocial factors. Self-reported changes in nutrients/food groups and in physical activity post-diagnosis were classified into change groups (less/equal/more). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess associations.ResultsData from 229 cancer survivors (59% endometrial, 41% ovarian, mean age 66 ± 9.5, 70% tumor stage I) were analyzed. In total, 20% reported to eat healthier from diagnosis up to 18 months after initial treatment, 17% reported less physical activity and 20% more physical activity. Health awareness (OR 2.79, 95% CI: 1.38; 5.65), body change concerns (OR 3.04 95% CI: 1.71; 5.39), life interferences (OR 4.88 95% 2.29; 10.38) and worry (OR 2.62, 95% CI: 1.42; 4.85) were significantly associated with less physical activity up to 18 months after initial treatment whereby gastrointestinal symptoms were an important confounder.Conclusion(s)This study underlines the need to raise awareness of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and to provide tailored lifestyle advice, taking into account survivors’ health awareness, body change concerns, life interferences, worry and gastrointestinal symptoms, in order to improve health behavior among gynecological cancer survivors.Trial Registrationhttp://clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01185626, August 20, 2010
Highlights
IntroductionThe development of endometrial cancer and (to a smaller extent) ovarian cancer can be attributed to consequences of obesity in many cases
The development of endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer can be attributed to consequences of obesity in many cases
By use of self-developed questionnaires from the PROFILES registry studies, participants reported if they made changes in diet since they were diagnosed with cancer until 18 months after initial treatment [22]
Summary
The development of endometrial cancer and (to a smaller extent) ovarian cancer can be attributed to consequences of obesity in many cases. Obesity prevalence rates are high in survivors of endometrial (45–70%) and ovarian (30%) cancer [1, 2]. Even though 30–60% of cancer survivors change their lifestyle post-diagnosis, adherence to recommendations for physical activity and diet remains relatively low as compared with the cancer-free population [9, 10]. Adherence to recommendations among cancer survivors has been found to decrease over time [11]. These findings suggest that efforts are needed to encourage healthy behavior among cancer survivors
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
