Physical performance limitations and participation restrictions among cancer survivors: A population-based study from NHANES data 2015-2018.

Abstract

12096 Background: Anti-cancer therapies have improved survival outcomes in cancer survivors; however, therapy-related toxicities may impact organ structure and function and interfere with physical performance and participation in life roles. This analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of physical performance limitations (PL) and participation restrictions (PR) among recent (< 5 years since diagnosis), and long-term (≥ 5 years) cancer survivors. Methods: Data from the 2015-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression, accounting for age, sex, race, and income, and incorporating survey sampling methodology. Odds ratios compared proportions of PL and PR among 663 (weighted population estimate 14,319,219) recent and 341 (weighted population estimate 7,261,088) long-term survivors, and 10,284 (weighted population estimate 215,042,155) persons with no reported cancer history. Two-sided two sample z-tests were used to compare proportions to a previous publication of data from 1999-2002 NHANES data. Results: Physical performance limitations were 1.5-1.7 times (63% vs 29%) and PR 1.5-1.6 times (38% vs 18%) more prevalent in cancer survivors than in those with no cancer history. Long-term cancer diagnosis was associated with increased prevalence of PL and PR, particularly in survivors aged 20-39 years. Proportions increased by 7% for PL and by 10% for PR compared to 1999-2002 values (p-values <0.001). Conclusions: Over 60% of cancer survivors reported PL and nearly 40% reported PR. Despite an interim increase in evidence of the benefits of exercise to manage therapy-related toxicities, these values are a significant increase when compared to 1999-2002 NHANES data. Targeted education for providers and exercise interventions aimed to improve physical function and performance in early cancer survivors should be considered to address the physical sequelae from anti-cancer therapies. [Table: see text]