Nutrition and exercise patterns in survivors of esophageal and gastroesophageal junction (EGEJ) cancers.

Abstract

89 Background: While obesity is a risk factor for EGEJ, malnutrition is common at diagnosis (dx) and can be exacerbated by neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) and esophagectomy. Little is known regarding nutrition and exercise patterns of EGEJ cancer survivors. Methods: A survey of EGEJ survivors > 12 months from esophagectomy was conducted. Pts were identified using institutional tumor registry. The Dillman mailed survey method was used. Questionnaires regarding health behaviors were employed: Godin Leisure-Time Exercise [GLTQ], Cancer Appetite and Symptom [CASQ], Nutritional Self-Efficacy (NSEQ). Chart review included demographics, pt characteristics and therapy received. Spearman correlation, Wilcoxon and Fisher’s tests assessed relationships between groups or variables. Results: Forty one of 140 eligible pts (29%) returned questionnaires and had surgery between 1991-2014. Median age was 69 and 78% were male. Most (83%) had adenocarcinoma. On presentation, 73% had clinical stage II or III disease and 76% received NAT. Median time from dx was 5 years (range 2-25). Mean weight loss from dx to current was 38 lbs. Mean BMI (kg/m2) was 29.52 at dx and 24.15 at most recent clinic visit. Obesity was present in 37% of pts at dx, but only 7% of survivors. Mean health behavior scores (SD): GLTQ 22.10 (22.93), CASQ 31.74 (6.66), and NSEQ 11.39 (4.03). Age, marital status, gender, education, and income were not associated with GLTQ, CASQ or NSEQ. Sedentary lifestyle (SL) with GTLQ score < 14 was present in 46% of survivors and associated with overweight BMI (mean 26.7 for SL vs 23.7 for non-SL; p = 0.04). There was a significant positive correlation between current BMI and NSEQ score (r = 0.68; p = 0.03). Conclusions: Many EGEJ cancer pts present with obesity but subsequently lose weight after curative therapy. The mean CASQ score in our population is similar to other GI cancer populations, suggesting that residual symptoms persist years after treatment ends. There is a high prevalence of SL in survivors which is associated with being overweight. Higher levels of nutrition self-efficacy were also associated with a higher current BMI. Future studies should define strategies to optimize nutrition and exercise habits in EGEJ cancer survivors.