Poor physical function, relationship problems and alcohol use are predictors of increased overall mortality in Swedish cancer patients: 27-years follow-up study in Stockholm County

Abstract

BackgroundTo study the mortality rates among cancer patients and whether these differences are associated with history of poor physical health and socio-economic situation. MethodThe relation between overall mortality and 30 questions of life-style and health was investigated in all subjects (n = 3197) who received a diagnosis of cancer (ICD-7 140-209) between 1969 and 1996 from the Rebus-cohort created in 1969 (n = 32186). ResultsThe overall mortality was increased in both men and women who received a cancer diagnose if they had reported problems with physical function at the beginning of the study. Men who received a cancer diagnose also had higher mortality due to cancer if they had relationship problems (HR = 1.23, 1.02–1.48), and alcohol use problem (HR = 1.35, 1.04–1.74) at baseline. Women who received cancer also had higher risk to die in cardiovascular diseases if they had reported physical function problem (HR = 1.97, 1.25–3.12) at the beginning of the study. ConclusionsPoor physical function is a predictor of increased mortality among subjects with diagnosis of cancer.