Lifestyle analysis in cancer survivors

PURPOSE: Health-related behaviors such as eating habits and physical activity have been recognized as key aspects of lifestyle. In cancer patients visceral and subcutaneous fat is strongly related to an enhancement of the comorbidities. Correction of dietary habits (DH) and Physical Exercise (PE) are means used for the reduction of metabolic risk factors especially in these patients. The aim of the study is to assess and correct eating habits and physical exercise in cancer survivors, to help them integrate back into normal life, improve their life quality and potentially improve their long-term survival chances. METHODS: 33 breast cancer survivors (from 48 to 69 ys, height 160.8±7.0 cm) were assess in order to evaluate DH e PE. On the first visit (T0), anthropometrics parameters, skinfold thickness and Bio Impedance Analysis (BIA) were assessed. At each subject was given a food diary, to assess his eating habits. This approach consisted to correct wrong eating habits. The exercise performance was evaluated using the 6-Minute Walking Test (6MWT). After a week, they received personal advice on nutritional issues on the basis of the American Cancer Societys Guidelines, and a personal physical exercise. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA test. RESULTS: From the analysis of food diaries, it emerges that fat and cholesterol consumption was high with low intake of fruits and vegetables. After having changed their eating habits, the following results were observed: - after 12 months (T12) the anthropometrics and body composition showed a variation (weight T0: 75.67±19.67, T12: 73.88±18.85 kg p<0.05; fat mass kg T0: 30.69±10.52, T12:29.53±9.95% p<0.01); - after 12 months (T12) the program had a significant effect (weight T0: 73.28±16.11, T12: 71.85±14.78 kg p<0.02, BMI T0: 27.38±6.51, T12: 26.86±6.10 kg/m2 p<0.05; waist circumference T0: 87.96±15.21, T12: 86.38±13.16 cm p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In this population of overweight cancer survivors, findings demonstrate the importance of nutritional advice along with physical exercise, to improve nutritional status, body composition and to reduce risk factors. Variation in weight, BMI, waist circumference, total water and extra-cellular water, are been useful for reducing risk factors.