Colon Cancer Survivors Research Articles

Health care improvement and survivorship priorities of colorectal cancer survivors: findings from the PORTAL colorectal cancer cohort survey.

Few population-level surveys have explored patient-centered priorities for improving colorectal cancer survivors' care. Working with patients, we designed a survey to identify care improvement and survivorship priorities. We surveyed a random sample of 4000 patients from a retrospective, population-based cohort of colorectal cancer survivors diagnosed during 2010-2014. The survey included two multiple response questions: "What would you have changed about your cancer diagnosis and treatment experience?" and "What are your biggest health or lifestyle concerns (other than having cancer) since being diagnosed?" Multivariable regression identified characteristics associated with endorsement of health care experience and survivorship concerns. Survey response rate was 50.2% (2000/3986). Fifty-three percent reported at least one unmet need, most commonly for more information about life after treatment (26.7%). Survivors of rectal cancer reported more needs than respondents with colon cancer; persons of color reported more needs than non-Hispanic whites; individuals without high school diplomas reported more needs than individuals with more education. Fear of recurrence was the most common health/lifestyle concern (58.9%). Respondents under age 65 reported nearly all health/lifestyle concerns more often than respondents over age 74. Rectal cancer survivors reported more concerns about activity limitation, changes, and body function and appearance than colon cancer survivors. Persons of color were more likely to report financial concerns than non-Hispanic whites. The greatest needs for intervention are among survivors of rectal cancer, survivors of minority racial/ethnic background, and survivors of younger age. Survivors with low educational attainment and those with higher stage disease could also benefit.

Engagement in cardiovascular disease preventive and cardiac outcomes in colon cancer survivors.

e18700Background: There is an increasing number of long-term CCS, but continued focus on the follow-up of the primary cancer may shift significant attention away from other important health conditi...

PCPs knowledge and self-efficacy for caring for breast and colon cancer survivors.

10083Background: The role of primary care providers (PCPs) in caring for cancer survivors is critical, as care shifts from active cancer treatment to managing late and long-term effects of treatmen...

Improving service delivery to cancer survivors in primary care settings project.

52 Background: An estimated 14 million cancer survivors live in the U.S., with up to 18 million expected by 2020. Methods: We established a partnership with three Texas family medicine training programs to provide interactive educational sessions focused on survivors’ needs for primary prevention and lifestyle counseling, surveillance and screening, and prevention of psychosocial and long-term effects. Surveys assessing resident and PCP knowledge, self-efficacy, and practices regarding survivorship care management were administered through REDCap in July 2016 and 2017. Results: Baseline response rates were 64% (60/94) and 59% (55/93) at follow-up. Compared to baseline, providers at follow-up were significantly more likely to report being “very confident” in their knowledge about: appropriate surveillance to detect recurrent breast cancer (5% vs 24%; p = 0.01); long-term physical effects of colon cancer and its treatment (8% vs 18%; p = 0.04); potential adverse psychosocial outcomes of colon cancer treatment (24% vs 44%; p = 0.01); appropriate screening for new primary breast (29% vs 61%; p < 0.001) and colon cancers (27% vs 51%; p = 0.01); and preventive lifestyle/behavioral counseling for breast (39% vs 59%; p = 0.03) and colon cancers (37% vs 59%; p = 0.01). Participants were also more likely to “strongly agree” that they have the skills necessary to: provide follow-up care related to the colon cancer and its treatment (10% vs 28%; p = 0.02); initiate appropriate screening for other new primary cancers for breast (28% vs 56%; p < 0.01) and colon cancer survivors (28% vs 58%; p < 0.01); and conduct lifestyle/behavioral counseling to prevent cancer for breast (33% vs 53%; p = 0.03) and colon cancer survivors (34% vs 55%; p = 0.02). Conclusions: Preliminary results suggest our project has improved provider knowledge, self-efficacy, and practices regarding survivorship care management, with the highest levels in areas pertaining to screening and prevention. We aim to continue this trajectory of improvement in subsequent project years and disseminate the project to other primary care training sites in Texas and beyond.

Differential utilization of preventive care among colon cancer survivors compared to non-cancer patients.

577 Background: With advances in diagnosis and treatment, many cancer patients survive more than 5 years. The care of these cancer survivors (CS) represent an area of unmet need. We aim to characterize the patterns of preventive care in colon CS compared to non-cancer controls (NCC) and identify areas of deficiencies within the context of a universal health care system. Methods: Adult patients with non-metastatic colon cancer treated at the BC Cancer Agency between 2000-2012 were included. An age and gender matched cohort constructed from the provincial database served as NCC. Areas of preventive care examined include vaccinations, cancer, osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) screening. Multivariate regressions were done to test for associations between CS and preventive care. Results: In total, 9381 colon CS and 47187 NCC, matched at a ratio of 1:5, were analyzed. Among CS, median age of diagnosis was 68, 58% were male and 47% had stage 3 disease. The median overall survivals were 12/10/8 years for stages 1/2/3 disease respectively. 61% of these survivors died from colon cancer, 12% from other cancers and 25% from non-cancer causes. Deaths from colon cancer are more common within 5 years of diagnosis, particularly stage 3 disease. CS were more likely to receive any preventive care. In CS compared to NCC, 90% vs 85%, 47% vs 39% and 53% vs 46% of eligible patients had CVD screening, cancer screening and other preventive care respectively. This remained significant in multivariate analyses (Table). Patients who were female, had higher income and resided in urban areas were more likely to receive screening. Among CS, patients > 65 years (OR1.2, p = 0.04 95%CI 1.0-1.4), females (OR 1.5, p < 0.01 95%CI 1.3-1.8) and stages 1 or 2 disease (OR 1.3, p < 0.01 95%CI 1.1-1.5) had higher uptake of screening. Conclusions: Many colon cancer patients are long term survivors. CS are more likely to receive screening than NCC but uptake is suboptimal in certain areas. Targeted education towards certain sub-groups such as males, ≤65 years, low income and rural area patients may improve long term health outcomes. [Table: see text]

Adherence to colonoscopy at 1 year following resection of localized colon cancer: a retrospective cohort study.

Background:For patients with stages I-III colon cancer who have undergone surgical resection, guidelines recommend surveillance colonoscopy at 1 year. However, limited data exist on adherence and associated factors. We aimed to determine the rate of adherence to surveillance colonoscopy at 1 year among nonmetastatic colon cancer patients who underwent resection and factors associated with adherence.Methods:In this population-based retrospective cohort study, the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)–Medicare database was used. We identified patients with stages I-III colon cancer who underwent surgical resection and survived >3 years without recurrence (no chemotherapy after 8 months) from 2002–2011. Our primary outcome was a colonoscopy claim 10–15 months after resection. We used multivariable regression analysis to assess associations between sociodemographic and clinical factors and receipt of timely colonoscopy.Results:Among 28,732 patients who survived >3 years without recurrence, 7967 (28%) did not undergo colonoscopy; 12,033 (42%) had it at one year, with 3159 (11%) before 10 months and 5573 (19%) after 15 months. Decreased adherence was associated with older age; being male versus female; being black or Hispanic versus white; higher tumor stage; left-sided tumors versus right sided; and increased comorbidities. Chemotherapy receipt was associated with increased adherence (odds ratio 2.06; 95% confidence interval 1.88–2.24).Conclusions:In a large population-based sample of individuals aged ⩾ 65 years, only 42% of colon cancer survivors underwent 1-year surveillance colonoscopy. Demographic and clinical factors were associated with adherence.

Cancer-related fatigue in cancer survivors (CS) with no active treatment.

238 Background: Fatigue is a subjective experience that should be systematically assessed at the initial visit, at regular intervals and as clinically indicated. Quality of fatigue management should be included in institutional continuous quality improvement projects. The PERFORM questionnaire (PQ) was developed among Spanish speaking patients for the assessment of fatigue. Methods: Outpatients recruited for projects in which physical condition and physical activity (PA) were evaluated, rated their fatigue severity on the PQ (12-60, being 60 no fatigue). PHUEM-01 evaluated early colon CS after finishing adjuvant treatment (AT). PHUEM-02 early breast CS at the end of AT. PH-UEM-03 evaluated colorectal CS (localized and metastatic) at the time of diagnosis. MS-04 evaluated fatigue at the time of diagnosis of different tumors (localized and metastatic). Physical condition was evaluated through the one-mile walk test (VO2MAX) and handgrip dynamometer. Heart rate was measured as a sign of autonomic dysfunction. PA was objectively evaluated through accelerometers generating weekly MVPA information. Results: 262 CS (63% women) were recruited, (110 breast, 119 colorectal, 14 other), mean age 60. 30% of survivors reported no fatigue. Mean PERFORM score 48,34; VO2max 25.5 ml/kg/min; handgrip 29,14 kg; HR 75 bpm. Women, younger CS, CS with worse physical condition, higher BMI, higher HR and less active CS reported more fatigue (only sex, handgrip strength and weekly PA were statistically significant for the overall population). Breast CS reported higher scores of fatigue than colorectal CS (p < 0.000). For breast CS there was an association between fatigue and HR which was not seen in the overall population. Metastatic colorectal did not report worse scores of fatigue than CS with localized tumors. Conclusions: As a subjective symptom, fatigue is unpredictable and its severity and interference with daily activities can be bothersome in an unexpected population (young CS, early stages) with no active treatment. More physically active and fitter CS are less fatigued. Mechanisms underlying cancer-related fatigue could be different for different tumors. More research in prevalence, evaluation, mechanisms and management of fatigue is needed.

Dose-response effects of exercise on insulin among colon cancer survivors.

Physical activity is associated with a lower risk of disease recurrence among colon cancer survivors. The pathways through which physical activity may alter disease outcomes are unknown, but may include changes in metabolic growth factors, such as insulin. Between January 2015 and August 2015, 39 stage I-III colon cancer survivors were randomized to one of the three groups: usual care control, 150 min/week of aerobic exercise (low-dose) and 300 min/week of aerobic exercise (high-dose) for six months. The pre-specified key metabolic growth factor outcome was fasting insulin. Insulin resistance was quantified using the homeostatic model assessment. Mean age was 56.5 ± 10.0 years, 51% had stage III disease, 72% were treated with chemotherapy and the mean time since finishing treatment was 10.9 ± 6.1 months. Over six months, the low-dose group completed 141.5 ± 9.9 min/week of aerobic exercise, and the high-dose group completed 247.2 ± 10.7 min/week of aerobic exercise. Fasting insulin concentrations decreased 7.4 ± 9.4 pmol/L in the control group, 28.0 ± 8.3 pmol/L in the low-dose group and 20.7 ± 9.3 pmol/L in the high-dose group (nonlinear Ptrend = 0.042). Insulin resistance decreased 0.11 ± 0.20 in the control group, 0.63 ± 0.17 in the low-dose group and 0.43 ± 0.19 in the high-dose group (nonlinear Ptrend = 0.012). Aerobic exercise reduces insulin concentrations and insulin resistance among patients with stage I-III colon cancer. Prescribing 150 min/week of aerobic exercise may be sufficient for reducing insulin concentrations and insulin resistance, which may partially mediate the relationship between physical activity and colon cancer prognosis.

SurvivorCHESS to increase physical activity in colon cancer survivors: can we get them moving?

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of SurvivorCHESS, an eHealth intervention, on physical activity in colon cancer survivors and to explore the impact of SurvivorCHESS on quality of life and distress. This was a two-arm single-blinded multi-site randomized controlled trial comparing a control group to an intervention group receiving a smartphone with the SurvivorCHESS program. Participants using SurvivorCHESS (n=144) increased their moderate to vigorous physical activities from 19.4min at baseline to 50min compared to the control group (n=140) increasing from 15.5 to 40.3min at 6months (p=.083) but was not sustained 3months after the study ended. No significant differences were found between groups over time for quality of life or distress items. Reports of physical symptoms were greater than other categories for distress items. Patients who had a higher body mass index and number of comorbid conditions were less likely to increase their physical activity. Self-determination theory including autonomous motivation and relatedness was not associated with the outcomes. Physical activity did increase over time in both groups and was not significantly different with the use of the eHealth intervention, SurvivorCHESS, compared to the control group. The amount of SurvivorCHESS use was not associated with physical activity. Increasing physical activity in colon cancer survivors has the potential to improve quality of life and reduce recurrences. Using smartphone-tracking devices may be useful in helping to change this health behavior.

Dose\u2013response effects of aerobic exercise on body composition among colon cancer survivors: a randomised controlled trial

Background:Physical activity is associated with a lower risk of disease recurrence among colon cancer survivors. Excess visceral adipose tissue is associated with a higher risk of disease recurrence among colon cancer survivors. The pathways through which physical activity may alter disease outcomes are unknown, but may be mediated by changes in visceral adipose tissue.Methods:Thirty-nine stage I–III colon cancer survivors were randomised to one of three groups: usual-care control, 150 min wk−1 of aerobic exercise (low dose) and 300 min wk−1 of aerobic exercise (high dose) for 6 months. The prespecified key body composition outcome was visceral adipose tissue quantified using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.Results:Exercise reduced visceral adipose tissue in dose–response fashion (Ptrend=0.008). Compared with the control group, the low- and high-dose exercise groups lost 9.5 cm2 (95% CI: –22.4, 3.5) and 13.6 cm2 (95% CI: –27.0, –0.1) in visceral adipose tissue, respectively. Each 60 min wk−1 increase in exercise predicted a 2.7 cm2 (95% CI: –5.4, –0.1) reduction in visceral adipose tissue.Conclusions:Aerobic exercise reduces visceral adipose tissue in dose–response fashion among patients with stage I–III colon cancer. Visceral adipose tissue may be a mechanism through which exercise reduces the risk of disease recurrence among colon cancer survivors.

Dose-response Effects of Aerobic Exercise Among Colon Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Phase II Trial

BackgroundObservational studies suggest that higher volumes of physical activity are associated with a lower risk of disease recurrence among survivors of colon cancer. However, the feasibility and safety of prescribing higher volumes of physical activity to survivors of colon cancer are unknown. Furthermore, the pathways through which exercise may reduce disease recurrence are unknown. Patients and MethodsSurvivors of stage I to III colon cancer were randomized to usual-care control, 150 minutes per week of aerobic exercise (low-dose), or 300 minutes per week of aerobic exercise (high-dose). Changes in soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular adhesion molecule-1 prognostic biomarkers were examined. ResultsFrom January 2015 to February 2016, 39 patients were enrolled (n = 13 usual-care control; n = 14 low-dose; n = 12 high-dose), and 38 participants completed the study (97% follow-up). Over 6 months, the low-dose group completed 142 minutes per week (92.8% adherence), and the high-dose group completed 247 minutes per week (89.0% adherence) of exercise. Compared with the control group, changes in soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 were −134.9 ng/mL (95% confidence interval, −238.1 to −31.6 ng/mL) in the low-dose group and −114.8 ng/mL (95% confidence interval, −222.5 to −7.1 ng/mL) in the high-dose group (linear Ptrend = .023; nonlinear Ptrend = .044). No changes were observed for soluable vascular adhesion molecule-1 (linear Ptrend = .791; nonlinear Ptrend = .604). Non-serious adverse events occurred at similar rates among randomized groups. No serious adverse events occurred. ConclusionHigher volumes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, up to 300 minutes per week, are feasible, safe, and elicit favorable changes in prognostic biomarkers among patients recently treated for stage I to III colon cancer. These data can be used to guide clinical recommendations for patients, and inform future trials.

Changes in Pain and Muscle Architecture in Colon Cancer Survivors After a Lumbopelvic Exercise Program: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

To investigate the efficacy of an eight-week lumbopelvic stabilization program (CO-CUIDATE) for colon cancer survivors. A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled clinical trial. A blinded, trained researcher performed the end point assessments for pain (Pressure Pain Threshold and Brief Pain Inventory) and muscle architecture (ultrasound imaging measurements). Forty-six colon cancer survivors who were assigned to the CO-CUIDATE group or usual care group. The CO-CUIDATE program was conducted for eight weeks. A trained researcher who was blinded to patient group performed the assessments. The tests were carried out with multiple observations. Intention-to-treat analyses were performed. The program had an adherence rate of 88.36% and two dropouts (10.5%). The participants reported some minor side effects during the first exercise sessions. The analysis revealed significant differences in the group x time interactions for the lumbar side (dominant: F = 3.1, P < 0.001; nondominant: F = 3.0, P = 0.01) and the infra-umbilical dominant side (F = 1.2, P = 0.04) after the program and at the six-month follow-up and for the internal oblique thickness (F = 5.1, P = 0.030) after the program. The experimental group experienced a greater improvement in all values after the program compared with the control group. There were no significant changes in the other pressure pain threshold points, pain severity, interference of pain, or the remaining ultrasound imaging measurements. The CO-CUIDATE program is effective for improving the musculoskeletal conditions related to the lumbopelvic area in colon cancer survivors, specifically in relation to pain and the internal oblique thickness.

Return to work after cancer and pre-cancer job dissatisfaction

ABSTRACTWe investigate the association between pre-cancer job dissatisfaction and return-to-work probability 3 years after a cancer diagnosis. We use a Danish data set combining administrative data and a survey to breast and colon cancer survivors. We find that the return-to-work probability has a negative correlation with pre-cancer job dissatisfaction with mental demands (where the correlation is driven by the high-educated) and with physical demands and the superior (where the correlation is driven by the low-educated). Educational gradients in the probability of returning to work after cancer are not significantly affected by controlling for pre-cancer job dissatisfaction and pre-cancer ability to work.

Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Breast and Colon Cancer Survivors Relative to Adults Without Cancer

ObjectiveTo assess differences in accelerometer-assessed moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), light-intensity physical activity, and sedentary time between cancer survivors and adults without cancer. Patients and MethodsAccelerometer data collected from 241 breast cancer survivors (ACCEL-Breast study, 2013) and 171 colon cancer survivors (ACCEL-Colon study, 2012-2013) were pooled with data collected from adults without cancer (Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle accelerometer substudy, 2011-2012). Linear regression was used to estimate differences in physical activity and sedentary behavior levels between cancer survivors and adults without cancer, adjusted for potential confounding factors. ResultsThe mean MVPA was significantly higher among breast cancer survivors than among females who had not had cancer (29 vs 22 min/d; P<.001). Colon cancer survivors had significantly lower levels of light activity than did adults without cancer (311 vs 338 min/d; P<.001), more sedentary time (532 vs 507 min/d; P=.003), and more prolonged sedentary time (210 vs 184 min/d; P=.002). ConclusionContrary to findings from previous research (based on self-reported physical activity), cancer survivors engaged in more (breast) or equivalent (colon) MVPA compared with adults without cancer. Differences between colon cancer survivors and adults without cancer for light activity and sedentary behavior highlight the importance of considering the full activity spectrum in the context of cancer control.

Survivorship after lower gastrointestinal cancer: Patient reported outcomes and planning for care.

695 Background: There is significant need for quality follow-up care to optimize long-term outcomes for the growing population of lower gastrointestinal (GI) cancer survivors. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) provide valuable information regarding late- and long-term effects. Methods: Using a convenience sample from 1,129 colon, rectal and anal cancer survivors (n=792, 218, and 119, respectively) who utilized an Internet-based survivorship care plan (SCP) tool, we examined patient-reported demographics, treatment, and toxicity data. Responses from a follow-up survey were reviewed. Results: Median age of diagnosis was 51 years and median current age was 54 years. 81% of respondents were Caucasian and 58% were female. The most commonly reported late- and long-term effects for all survivors were neuropathy (65%), fatigue (56%), cognitive changes (49%), changes in GI function (43%), sexual dysfunction (22% in males, 43% in females), and radiation-induced dermatologic effects including changes in color/texture of skin (39%) and loss of flexibility in radiated areas (31%). The prevalence of these effects varied with length of time since treatment and treatment modality. Anal cancer patients reported a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction and radiation-induced dermatologic effects. Over 87% of users reported satisfaction levels of "good" to "excellent" using this tool, and 69% reported they intend to share SCP with their healthcare team. Conclusions: For lower GI cancer survivors, it is feasible to obtain PROs from an Internet-based survivorship tool. Survivors report a wide spectrum of late- and long-term side effects, which can be used to inform counseling at time of diagnosis, as well as help anticipate and respond to disease- and treatment-related sequelae during follow-up. We are among the first to report on PROs in anal cancer survivors. Further investigation on the impact of SCPs on healthcare communication and use is needed.

The short-term impact of colorectal cancer treatment on physical activity, functional status and quality of life: a systematic review.

Physical activity, functional status and quality of life (QoL) are important determinants of the quality of life (QoL) after colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment; however, little is known on how the treatment impacts these outcomes. Having this understanding could help clinicians develop and implement strategies that would enhance or maintain the QoL of CRC patients. To identify the impact of curative CRC treatment (surgery with or without radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy) on physical activity, functional status and QoL within one year of treatment or diagnosis. Colorectal cancer survivors aged 18 years and over. Curative CRC treatment, which was surgery with or without radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Pre- and post-observational and experimental studies. Physical activity, ability to perform activities of daily living (functional status) and QoL. CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, OpenGrey and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses were used to obtain published and unpublished studies in English. The date range was the start of indexing to February 2015. All studies were assessed independently by two reviewers for relevance, eligibility and methodological quality. Data from included papers were extracted using a modified data extraction tool. Data that were presented graphically were extracted using online software. The differences between postoperative and baseline values were calculated using the Review Manager 5.3.5 (Copenhagen: The Nordic Cochrane Centre, Cochrane) calculator and expressed as mean difference and their corresponding 95% confidence interval. Where possible, study results were pooled in statistical meta-analysis. The physical activity, functional status and some QoL results are presented in a narrative and table form. A total of 23 studies were included in this review: two studies (N = 2019 patients) evaluated physical activity, two studies (N = 6908 patients) assessed functional status and 22 studies (N = 2890 patients) measured QoL. Physical activity was observed to decrease at six months after treatment. The functional status of CRC patients decreased, particularly in the elderly (Summary of findings 1 and 2). As for QoL, only the physical and functional aspects were seen to decline up to six months, but scores almost returned to baseline levels at one year after treatment. The QoL studies that used the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 tool were pooled in statistical meta-analysis and summarized in Summary of findings 2. The results must be interpreted carefully due to the heterogeneity of studies and scarcity of recent studies. In spite of the limitations, it is likely that the physical and functional capacity of CRC survivors deteriorates after treatment. The period between diagnosis and treatment provides an opportunity for clinicians to implement interventions (e.g. exercise interventions) that could enhance or restore the physical and functional capacity of CRC survivors. The paucity of studies and heterogeneity need to be addressed. The outcomes for colon and rectal cancer survivors, ostomates and non-ostomates must be analyzed separately.

Survivorship after lower gastrointestinal cancer: Patient-reported outcomes and planning for care.

There is significant need for quality follow-up care to optimize long-term outcomes for the growing population of lower gastrointestinal (GI) cancer survivors. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) provide valuable information regarding late and long-term effects (LLTEs). A convenience sample from 1129 colon, rectal, and anal cancer survivors (n = 792; 218, and 119, respectively) who participated in an Internet-based survivorship care plan (SCP) tool between May 2010 and October 2014 was used to examine patient-reported demographics, treatment, and toxicity data. Responses from a follow-up survey were reviewed. The median age of diagnosis was 51 years, and 81% of survivors were Caucasian. The most commonly reported LLTEs for all survivors were neuropathy, fatigue, cognitive changes, changes in GI function, urogenital and sexual dysfunction, and dermatologic effects. The prevalence of these effects varied with time since diagnosis, treatment modality, and treatment center. Individuals who had survived anal cancer reported a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction and radiation-induced dermatologic effects. Over 87% of users reported satisfaction levels of good to excellent using the SCP tool, and 69% reported that they intend to share the SCP with their health care team. For lower GI cancer survivors, it is feasible to obtain PROs from an Internet-based survivorship tool. Survivors report a wide spectrum of LLTEs, and these can be used to inform counseling at the time of diagnosis and to help anticipate and respond to disease-related and treatment-related sequelae during follow-up. The authors are among the first to report on PROs in anal cancer survivors. Further investigation on the impact of SCPs on health care communication and use is needed. Cancer 2017;123:1860-1868. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Effectiveness of Lumbopelvic Exercise in Colon Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of lumbopelvic exercise in improving health-related fitness, anthropometric measurements, and body composition in colon cancer survivors (CCS). Forty-six CCS (35% female, n = 14) were assigned to two groups for this randomized controlled clinical trial: a trunk muscle stabilization exercise program group (CO-CUIDATE) and a usual-care group. The CO-CUIDATE program was conducted for 8 wk (three times per week). The primary end point was isometric abdominal strength measured using the trunk curl test. The secondary end points used were isometric back strength, functional capacity, lower-body flexibility, weight, and anthropometric measurements evaluated at baseline, after the physical exercise program and after 6 months of follow-up. A trained member of the research group with 5 yr of experience working with cancer patients and who was blinded to the patient group assessed the variables. All physical tests were conducted with multiple observations. The adherence to intervention was 88.36%, and two dropouts (10.5%) were recorded. Minor side effects, including discomfort with the exercises in the first sessions, were reported by the participants. ANOVA demonstrated significant differences in group-time interactions for isometric abdominal strength (F = 7.7; P = 0.001), functional capacity (F = 4.6; P = 0.015), lower-body flexibility (right, F = 4.3, P = 0.021 and left, F = 3.6, P = 0.034), and waist circumference (F = 5.7; P = 0.07), which were the best values for the CO-CUIDATE group. No significant changes in isometric back strength, weight, hip circumference or body composition were observed. An 8-wk program based on stabilization exercises is a promising strategy to increase health-related fitness and to reduce waist circumference in CCS. An exercise program based on lumbopelvic exercise is a feasible intervention to improve the control of deep abdominal muscles and health-related fitness.

Abstract SY22-01: The role of exercise in cancer progression and mortality: Observational and molecular epidemiologic evidence

Abstract SY22-01: The role of exercise in cancer progression and mortality: Observational and molecular epidemiologic evidence

Erratum to: Patterns and correlates of accelerometer-assessed physical activity and sedentary time among colon cancer survivors.

NHMRC: 1072266, 1057608 National Breast Cancer Foundation: ECF-15-012 Canada Research Chairs Program Alberta Innovates—Health Solutions