Abstract
BackgroundStudies show that patients make lifestyle changes soon after certain solid tumor diagnoses, suggesting that this may be a teachable moment to motivate and promote healthy behaviors. There is a paucity of data regarding changes made after a diagnosis of a hematologic malignancy.MethodsA cross‐sectional study of 116 patients at a community oncology center who completed anonymous questionnaires was performed. Questions addressed lifestyle choices made with respect to smoking, alcohol consumption, recreational drug use, diet, and exercise habits before and after diagnosis of a hematologic malignancy. Support systems utilized, including psychiatry services, were also assessed.ResultsPatients exhibited significant reduction in smoking behavior (Χ 2 = 31.0, p < 0.001). 82.4% (n = 14) of one pack per day smokers quit between the time periods, with nearly all smokers showing a reduction after diagnosis. Alcohol use overall did not change significantly, however, 10.3% (n = 12) of patients reported quitting drinking completely between time periods. Changes in dietary intake and exercise were not statistically significant overall. Utilization of external support systems correlated with improved diet as well as decrease in total smoking years.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that patients exhibited significant lifestyle changes after being diagnosed with a hematologic malignancy. Clinicians should take advantage of this ‘teachable moment’ to educate patients about positive health behavior changes. Advances in cancer therapeutics have led to an increase in cancer survivors, this education is crucial in reducing the risk of developing chronic comorbidities as well as secondary malignancies.
Highlights
With the advent of various effective and feasible treatment options for hematologic malignancies, survival rates and quality of life have improved significantly over the last few decades.[1]
Lifestyle modifications to change detrimental behaviors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, and sedentary lifestyle among individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer may help to improve outcomes, or to reduce the incidence of developing negative health outcomes related to unhealthy lifestyle behaviors
Some studies show that cancer survivors make health behavior changes soon after diagnosis or treatment, suggesting that a cancer diagnosis may motivate and promote healthy behaviors.3-9 The American Cancer Society (ACS) has published guidelines and principles regarding nutrition, physical activity, and alcohol consumption
Summary
With the advent of various effective and feasible treatment options for hematologic malignancies, survival rates and quality of life have improved significantly over the last few decades.[1]. Some studies show that cancer survivors make health behavior changes (e.g., quitting smoking, improving diet and exercise) soon after diagnosis or treatment, suggesting that a cancer diagnosis may motivate and promote healthy behaviors.3-9 The American Cancer Society (ACS) has published guidelines and principles regarding nutrition, physical activity, and alcohol consumption. Questions addressed lifestyle choices made with respect to smoking, alcohol consumption, recreational drug use, diet, and exercise habits before and after diagnosis of a hematologic malignancy. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that patients exhibited significant lifestyle changes after being diagnosed with a hematologic malignancy. Advances in cancer therapeutics have led to an increase in cancer survivors, this education is crucial in reducing the risk of developing chronic comorbidities as well as secondary malignancies
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