Associations between lifestyle factors and quality of life among older long‐term breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer survivors

Abstract

Background-Older cancer survivors are at increased risk for secondary cancers, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and functional decline and, thus, may benefit from health-related interventions. However, little is known regarding older cancer survivors' health behaviors and their associations with quality of life outcomes, especially during the long-term post-treatment period. Methods: A total of 753 older (age ≥ 65 years), long-term (≥ 5 years post-diagnosis) breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer survivors completed two baseline telephone interviews to assess eligibility for a diet and exercise intervention trial. Interviews assessed exercise, diet, weight status, and quality of life. Results-Older cancer survivors reported a median of 10 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per week, and only 7% had Healthy Eating Index scores above 80 (indicative of healthful eating habits relative to national guidelines). Despite their suboptimal health behaviors, survivors reported mental and physical quality of life that exceeded age-related norms. Greater exercise and better diet quality were associated with better physical quality of life outcomes (e.g., better vitality and physical functioning; ps ≤ .05), whereas greater body mass index was associated with reduced physical quality of life (ps < .001). Conclusions-Results indicate a high prevalence of suboptimal health behaviors among older, long-term breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer survivors who are interested in lifestyle modification. In addition, findings point to the potential negative impact of obesity and positive impact of physical activity and a healthy diet on physical quality of life in this population.

Impact of Healthy Eating Practices and Physical Activity on Quality of Life among Breast Cancer survivors

“…These findings are in agreement with the results of a study conducted among breast cancer survivors in USA, in which post-diagnosis diet quality was directly associated with subsequent mental and physical functioning among breast cancer survivors (Wayne et al, 2006). It was also indicated in a study by Mosher et al (2009) that diet quality was positively associated with physical functioning among breast cancer survivors. In a study on older breast cancer survivors, better physical functioning was associated with less fat intake and greater fruit and vegetable intake (Demark-Wahnefried et al, 2004).…”

Pain is prevalent and persisting in cancer survivors: Differential factors across age groups

“…The American Cancer Society reports that approximately 30% of patients newly diagnosed with cancer, 30-50% of patient undergoing treatment, and 70-90% of patient with advanced disease experience pain. 8 After treatment, many cancer survivors continue to experience pain, 9,10 although it is less well understood.…”

Does Prostate Cancer Begin in the Prostate? Key Predictors of Having Disease

“…Among older long-term prostate cancer survivors, Mosher et al [3] finds that consistent moderateto-vigorous exercise done weekly improves physical function, health perception, and quality of life among cancer survivors older than 60 years. One study shows that vigorous physical activity increases the androstenedione hormone levels in the body.…”

“…One study found correlations between physical activity and education level. An increase in age and lower education levels are associated with reduced physical utility among cancer patients, whereas a higher education level was associated with a higher frequency of weekly exercise [3]. Generally, physical activity has been thought to be protective against hormone-related carcinoma since the physical activity reduces the intensity of endogenous hormones circulating throughout the body [26].…”

“…At times, some ailments can prevent an individual from being physically active which can counter successful aging. Mosher et al [3] have shown that physical activity and exercise, among other variables, can be influential in reducing the risk of illness. Other factors may include occupational physical activity, age, diet, ethnicity, education, and family history.…”