Eating Habits And Physical Exercise In Cancer Survivors

PURPOSE: Healthy eating habits and active lifestyle have been shown to reduce mortality in not communicable chronic disease also in secondary prevention. The purpose was to assess and correct eating habits and physical exercise in overweight cancer survivors, to help them integrate back into normal life, improve their life quality and potentially improve their long-term survival chances. METHODS: 26 breast and colon overweight cancer survivors (from 41 to 75 ys, height 164±9 cm) were enrolled on a physical exercise program. On the first visit (T0), weight, body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumferences, skinfold for estimation of fat mass and Bio Impedance Analysis (BIA) for hydration status were assessed. To each subject was given a food diary, to assess his eating habits. This approach consisted to correct wrong eating habits. After a week, they received personal advice on nutritional issues on the basis of the American Cancer Society’s Guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA test. RESULTS: From the analysis of food diaries, it emerges that fat and sodium consumption was high with low intake of fruits and vegetables. After having changed their eating habits, the following results were observed: - after 6 months (T6) the anthropometrics and hydration parameters showed a variation (weight T0: 73.28±16.11, T6: 72.10±15.00 kg p<0.01; total water T0: 50.94±6.51, T6:51.78±7.51 % p<0.05; extra-cellular water T0: 47.78± 4.70, T6: 47.98±4.90 % 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 suggest the importance of nutritional advice along with physical exercise, to improve nutritional status and body composition. Variation in weight, BMI, waist circumference, total water and extra-cellular water, are been useful for reducing risk factors in not communicable chronic disease.