Effects of a lifestyle behaviors intervention among female cancer survivors

Background. Medical advances and better practice for early detection have contributed to an increase in the cancer survivor population. In keeping with recommendations for the general public, healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as increased fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC) and physical activity (PA) are also encouraged for cancer survivors.

Purpose. This study aimed to examine whether women who have a personal history of cancer (PHCA+) differed from women without a history (PHCA-) in their change in FVC and PA.

Methods. Participants were randomized to receive either self-help or a telephone counseling intervention. A total of 724 (81 PHCA+) women recruited in the American Cancer Society's Nutrition and Physical Activity study were included in the analysis. Logistic regression was used to model whether participants met guidelines for FVC and PA at 6-month follow-up, adjusting for baseline behavior, race/ethnicity, age, satisfaction with life, and whether they were sad/blue.

Results. While all participants increased FVC by 1.01 srv/day (p<0.0001), regardless of PHCA and intervention status, the intervention was much less effective in improving PA among PHCA+ (OR=1.02) than among PHCA- (OR=2.71, interaction p=0.0447) after controlling for demographics, psychosocial characteristics and baseline PA. The intervention effect on PA did not differ by other co-morbid conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, p=0.3501). Conclusions. Healthy lifestyle behaviors interventions had different outcomes depending on participants' personal history of cancer. While female cancer survivors may benefit equally from interventions to improving FVC, further tailored interventions should be developed to improve physical activity among female cancer survivors.