The Comprehensive Cancer Center by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9783030820527
Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Services for Healthy Lifestyle in Cancer Survivors

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle in cancer survivors, including regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco smoking, is associated with superior outcomes in several tumor types [41–43]. There is a robust evidence on the impact of physical activity in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in cancer survivors. Data from the Childhood Cancer Survivors Study demonstrated the impact of exercise on cardiovascular events in Hodgkin Lymphoma survivors at a median follow-up of approximately 12 years [44]. Furthermore, the impact of exercise was dose-dependent, with the risk of cardiovascular events being significantly lower among patients reporting ≥9 METs [metabolic equivalent hours]/week. Similar results were seen among patients with nonmetastatic breast cancer [45]. The current NCCN guidelines recommend periodic assessment of physical activity level in cancer survivors. A questionnaire survey of 975 cancer survivors identified several barriers for physical activity, including lack of time, lack of access to an exercise environment, uncertainty regarding safety of exercise post-cancer treatment, physical limitations, and lack of knowledge regarding appropriate physical activities [46]. Hence, providing access to a formal exercise program within comprehensive cancer centers can be beneficial to patients and help provide an individualized exercise plan to survivors. Offering behavioral strategies, including telephone counselling, print material on benefits of physical activity, and motivational interviews can also be helpful in increasing physical activity among cancer survivors. Providing tailored print materials to cancer survivors by mail, promoting consumption of fruits and vegetables, reducing fat intake, and increasing exercise has been shown to be superior to providing standardized non-tailored materials in an RCT [47]. At Taussig Cancer Center, we also provide a mentoring program for cancer survivors called as 4th Angel Patient and Caregiver Mentoring Program, as a part of which, patients and their caregivers are connected with similar cancer survivors who can share their experiences and provide emotional and spiritual guidance.

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