Lifestyle and Weight Management Counseling in Uterine Cancer Survivors: A Study of the Uterine Cancer Action Network

Abstract

Uterine cancer survivors reported high obesity, low activity rates, and a desire for substantive weight loss counseling from their gynecologic oncologists. Respondents suggested that current counseling practices are inadequate and incongruent with their needs. Further research to define optimal timing, interventional strategies, and specific recommendations for successful lifestyle changes in this population is warranted.

Endometrial Cancer Survivors’ Perceptions of Provider Obesity Counseling and Attempted Behavior Change

“…26 Although the relatively high response rate in our study is encouraging, we are unable to account for the opinions of nonresponders. Our response rate is significantly higher than the only other available patient survey on this topic (28.3%), 24 which we attribute to reminder postcards, clinic room posters describing the study, and the strong commitment our patients have to participating in research to help women with gynecologic malignancies. We are overall reassured that key demographics of our responders are not significantly different from the overall population surveyed, as summarized in Table 1.…”

“…Survivors want to hear the message from their oncologist and not just a PCP. 24 As providers face multiple demands on their schedules, referral to nutritional counseling or the use of mobile electronic apps will become increasingly important to continually reinforce this message to patients. 25 Survivorship clinics will also serve as an important source for patients to hear this information and reinforce their motivation for change.…”

Factors influencing participation in health behaviors in endometrial cancer survivors

“…Contextual or environmental barriers to physical activity include weather and access to facilities . Contextual barriers to dietary change include lack of information and support . Employment and traditional female‐care giving roles represented a barrier to both physical activity and dietary change .…”

Chemopreventive Effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid on Obesity-Related Cancers

“…Oncologists are also often the main source of referrals to appropriate sources where patients and their families can receive sound guidance [13,14] . Key among the signaling pathways linking obesity and cancer is the PI3K/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) cascade, which is a target of many of the obesity-associated factors and regulates cell proliferation and survival [15,16] .…”

“…play a critical role in patient education, as well as in education of caregivers and families, regarding the importance of weight management [13] . Oncologists are also often the main source of referrals to appropriate sources where patients and their families can receive sound guidance [13,14] .…”