Cancer researchers in Canada have just released the findings of a recently conducted study delving into the lifestyle choices made by survivors of cancer.  The full story is to be published in CANCER’s June 1 print issue but is available online today.  The journal is a publication of the American Cancer Society.

Kerry S. Courneya, PhD, University of Alberta, Edmonton, used data from the 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey to gain insight into the everyday life of people who have survived cancer.  The survey involved over 114,000 adults and included details on medical history, weight and height (used to derive body mass index, or BMI), and the nature of the survivor’s leisure time activity.

After-cancer lifestyle choices can play a highly influential role in long-term survival but thus far there have been very few studies undertaken that address the issue.  Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and a nutritious diet are crucial in prolonging or avoiding disease recurrence, diminished quality of life, and death due to cancer-related issues.

Courneya’s research team revealed the following:

• Less than 22% of cancer survivors in Canada are physically active.  The most sedentary lifestyles seem to be associated with women who’ve survived either melanoma or breast cancer and with survivors of colorectal cancer, regardless of gender.
• 18% (almost 1 in every 5) of Canada’s cancer survivors is obese.
• 34% (1 in 3) is overweight.

Researchers conclude the lifestyles of cancer survivors closely matches that of the general population.  However, there were some differences:

• Survivors of prostate cancer tend to be more active and maintain a healthier BMI than Canadian men who’ve never experienced cancer.
• Men who’ve survived skin cancer are more prone to be physically active than men who’ve not had cancer.
• Obese women who’ve survived breast cancer tend to be less physically active than obese women without the experience of cancer.

The research team is particularly concerned about the sedentary lifestyle of breast cancer survivors because the risk of recurrence reduces significantly when a physically active lifestyle is enjoyed.  The research team offers the recommendation for the inclusion of lifestyle intervention methods as a part of treatment to further promote the value of healthy body weight and physical activity following treatment for cancer.

Source: American Cancer Society