Lifestyle behaviors in Massachusetts adult cancer survivors

Abstract

Introduction: Adoption of healthy lifestyles in cancer survivors has potential to reduce subsequent adverse health. We sought to determine the prevalence of tobacco use, alcohol use, and physical inactivity among cancer survivors overall and site-specific survivors.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the Massachusetts Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2006-2008, and identified 1,670 survivors and 18,197 controls. Specific cancer sites included prostate, colorectal, female breast, and gynecologic (cervical, ovarian, uterine). Covariates included age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, income, marital status, health insurance, and physical and mental health. Gender stratified logistic regression models associated survivorship with each health behavior.

Results: 4.9% of men and 7.7% of women reported a cancer history. In adjusted regression models, male survivors were similar to gender matched controls, while female survivors had comparable tobacco and alcohol use but had more physical inactivity than controls (OR 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-1.8). By site, breast cancer survivors were more likely to be physically inactive (OR 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.0) and gynecologic cancer survivors were more likely to report current tobacco use (OR 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.8).

Conclusions and implications for cancer survivors: Specific subgroups of cancer survivors are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors. Accurate assessment of who may derive the most benefit will aid public health programs to effectively target limited resources.