Body mass index, physical activity and quality of life of ovarian cancer survivors: time to get moving?

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI), physical activity (PA) and the quality of life (QoL) of ovarian cancer survivors.

Methods: We performed a two-centre cross-sectional study of women who had been treated for ovarian cancer between January 2007 and December 2014 at the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust and the Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust. QoL was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OV28 questionnaires, and PA using the Godin Leisure Time Exercise questionnaire.

Results: In total, 293 ovarian cancer survivors were invited to participate, of which 209 women (71.3%) responded. Thirty-five percent of women were overweight and 18% were obese, whilst only 21% met recommendations for PA. Obesity was associated with significantly poorer global QoL, physical, cognitive and social functioning, a poorer body image and more symptomatology. Sedentary behaviour was associated with poorer QoL scores including global QoL, physical, role, social and sexual functioning. After adjustment, BMI and PA both remained independently associated with QoL scores.

Conclusion: Obesity and inactivity are associated with poorer QoL among ovarian cancer survivors. Future interventions promoting PA and weight loss should be evaluated as possible means to improve the QoL of this population.

Keywords: Body mass index; Ovarian cancer; Physical activity; Quality of life; Survivorship.