Preventive health services and lifestyle practices in cancer survivors: A population health investigation

INTRODUCTION: Long-term health in cancer survivors requires both preventive health services and certain health behavior practices to prevent major chronic diseases that occur in the general population; we currently don't know the pattern of this care for cancer survivors in the US population. The present study examines the patterns of clinical preventive services(CPSs) and healthy lifestyle practices(HLPs) in a heterogeneous population of cancer survivors.

METHODS: Longitudinal analyses of MEPS, a nationally representative health survey (years 2000-2004). CPSs consisted of influenza immunization, routine physical examination, and dental check up within the last year and HLPs included engaging in moderate/vigorous exercise 3x week, maintaining a body mass index (BMI) within normal range, and not currently smoking. Chi-square tests and Poisson regressions were performed to identify associated factors.

RESULTS: Unadjusted rates of preventive health activities were as follows: 78% had a routine physical check up, 66% had annual dental visits, and 54% received an influenza immunization. Across HLPs, 80% did not smoke, 52% engaged in regular exercise, and 37% maintained their BMI. Only 31% received all three CPSs and only 16.5% engaged in all three HLPs. Cancer survivors with fair/poor perception of their mental health had lower number of CPSs and those with fair/poor perception of physical health engaged in lower number of HLPs. Demographic and health status factors impacted the two domains differentially.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: Rates and predictors of preventive care varied by type of service/domain suggesting a one-size-fits-all approach is not recommended for preventive health education and planning for this population.