Lifestyle modifications after the diagnosis of gynecological cancer

Abstract

Background The influence of lifestyle factors on the quality of life, incidence and tumor recurrence has been evaluated in several studies and is gaining increasing importance in cancer research. However, the extent of the influence of such lifestyle factors on the quality of life of cancer patients remains largely unclear, as does the number of patients actually pursuing these lifestyle changes. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and predictors of lifestyle changes in patients with gynecological cancer. Methods The survey consisted of a pseudonymous questionnaire that was conducted from January to May 2014 via a telephone interview with 141 patients with a gynaecological malignancy who had undergone surgery at our Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics. Lifestyle factors (diet, physical activity, stress level, alcohol and nicotine consumption) prior to and after the diagnosis of cancer were evaluated. Results 89% (n = 125) of the patients reported lifestyle changes after being diagnosed with cancer. There was a significant association between the implementation of lifestyle changes and age as well as the use of complementary medicine. Nutrition: 66% of the patients (n = 93) consumed more fruit and vegetables and 65% ate less meat (n = 92). Physical activity: 37% (n = 52) reported no change in their exercise routine, 36% (n = 51) described a decrease, 27% (n = 38) an increase in their physical activity. Subjective feeling of stress: 77% of the patients (n = 108) described a reduction in their perceived level of stress. Nicotine consumption: 63% (n = 12) of the 19 patients who were smokers at the time of the diagnosis quit or reduced smoking thereafter. Alcohol consumption: 47% (n = 61/129) of the patients reduced their alcohol consumption. Conclusions Most of the patients from our study group implemented lifestyle changes after being diagnosed with cancer. Prospective randomized trials are needed in order to determine the benefit of lifestyle changes (physical activity, dietary habits and stress reduction) for cancer survivors. The potential impact of lifestyle on the quality of life and the trajectory of the disease should be discussed with all oncological patients.

Patients' perceived challenges, competencies, and supportive care needs during acute clinical treatment of breast or gynecological cancer

“…Previous studies reported unmet supportive care and information needs concerning health behaviors such as sports, diet, or relaxation for gynecological and breast cancer patients after primary treatment. 3,34 As these patients show increased motivation to pursue a healthy lifestyle, for example, to gain a feeling of control of cancer recurrence, 35,36 our findings stress the importance of supportive care in this regard.…”

Dietary Practices After Primary Treatment for Ovarian Cancer: A Qualitative Analysis From the OPAL Study

“…1,2 Dietary changes commonly reported by cancer survivors include increased intake of fruits and vegetables and reduced consumption of meats, alcohol, fat, sugar, and dairy products. [3][4][5][6][7] These changes largely align with diet quality recommendations for cancer survivors, 8 and there is evidence that adhering to a high-quality dietary pattern post-diagnosis is associated with better survival and quality of life, particularly among people with breast and colorectal cancer. 9,10 To date, little is known about the dietary practices of women who have completed primary treatment for ovarian cancer.…”

“…Our study includes a much larger sample of women than previous studies reporting on dietary practices after a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. 4,11 We also examined participants' comments about dietary practices by disease recurrence and treatment status at the time of completing the questionnaire. Furthermore, this study captured information about dietary practices that women "feel is important," but not addressed in the FFQ.…”

“…11 Although not specific to ovarian cancer, in telephone interviews with 141 women with gynecologic malignancies in Germany, participants most commonly reported consuming more fruits and vegetables and eating less meat post-diagnosis. 4 A small proportion (9%) reported following a special "anti-cancer" diet, such as a low-carbohydrate diet or a fasting regimen. 4 In focus groups with long-term survivors of ovarian cancer (more than 5 years post diagnosis) in North America, participants commonly reported eliminating meat, dairy, and sugar from their usual diet after receiving a cancer diagnosis, and many were still adhering to these dietary restrictions years later.…”

“…4 A small proportion (9%) reported following a special "anti-cancer" diet, such as a low-carbohydrate diet or a fasting regimen. 4 In focus groups with long-term survivors of ovarian cancer (more than 5 years post diagnosis) in North America, participants commonly reported eliminating meat, dairy, and sugar from their usual diet after receiving a cancer diagnosis, and many were still adhering to these dietary restrictions years later. 12 To support the health and wellbeing of women who have completed primary treatment for ovarian cancer, a greater understanding of dietary practices, and the factors affecting these practices, is needed.…”