Introduction: Cancer survivors often suffer from fatigue and (mental) health impairments. Despite evidence for effectiveness, lifestyle interventions are seldom applied in their aftercare. The aim of this study was to assess feasibility of a lifestyle intervention program on physical and mental wellbeing and quality of life (QoL) of cancer survivors, and to get a first impression of effectiveness, by means of a pilot study. Methods: Nine subjects were enrolled in a 12-month lifestyle intervention pilot study without a control group, conducted in a Dutch primary care centre. The intervention consisted of individual and group lifestyle training focusing on diet, exercise and mind-body interaction. The main outcomes were physical and mental health and QoL. Results: All 9 subjects completed the 12-month lifestyle intervention program. We found a large positive effect on fatigue (r=-0.9), stress (r=-0.8) and anxiety (r=-0.9). With respect to quality of life, large improvements in vitality (r=0.7), role limitations due to physical health (r=-0.7), role limitations due to emotional problems (r=-0.8) and personal health experience (r=0.8) were found. Subjects' arm strength increased (r=0.9), but there were no significant changes in other physical parameters, depressive symptoms, social optimism and autonomy. Contradictory results were found for pain. Conclusion: Implementation of this lifestyle intervention program seems feasible in this small uncontrolled pilot study. The reduced QoL that is typical for cancer survivors was positively influenced by this program. Most prominent results were retrieved for fatigue and mental functioning, whereas little effects were found for physical health.
Purpose There is a need for interdisciplinary primary care-led aftercare programs for the common (transdiagnostic) problems cancer survivors experience to increase their quality of life. The aim of this controlled before-and-after pilot study was to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a transdiagnostic, family doctor-led interdisciplinary program to increase quality of life in a heterogeneous group of cancer survivors. Methods The intervention group (N = 19) followed a 12-month interdisciplinary aftercare program in the primary care setting, consisting of: family doctor consultation, physical exercise, mind-body therapy, sleep hygiene, dietary recommendations, and optional psychological therapy. Eligible cancer survivors who declined participation, were included as controls (N = 16). The primary outcome was quality of life, as measured with the EORTC-QOL-C30, covering global health status, and various forms of functioning and symptoms. Secondary outcomes included assessments of fatigue, mental health, happiness, and work ability. Assessments took place at baseline (T0), and 6 months (T1) and 12 months post-baseline (T2). Intention-to-treat multilevel analyses were conducted. Results At baseline, the intervention group scored significantly worse on several indices of quality of life, and on secondary outcomes, compared to controls. The intervention group showed significantly larger increases at T2 in physical and social functioning, and decreases in fatigue and anxiety, compared to the control group. Conclusion TOP seems feasible and seems to increase the quality of life and related aspects in cancer survivors over 1 year. A randomized controlled trial is warranted.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.