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Cancer survivors tend to live less healthy lifestyles, study finds

Category: Breast

After receiving lab test results that indicate the presence of breast cancer, it may seem logical that a woman would start living a healthier lifestyle. However, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Oncology, this is generally not the case.

In fact, after surveying nearly 20,000 women over the age of 35 who had been diagnosed with cancer, researchers from the Moffitt Cancer Center and the Mayo Clinic found that cancer patients tend to have less healthy lifestyles than those with no history of cancer.

The survey revealed that cancer survivors were more likely to smoke, gain weight and rate their overall health as "poor." They were less likely to exercise and use vitamin supplements.

While the findings may be discouraging to oncologists, the researchers said the results offer an opportunity to educate patients about the things they need to do to regain their health and make meaningful improvements in their lives.

"The differences in health behaviors between cancer survivors and those with no cancer history afford a ‘teachable moment' in which a cancer survivor may be motivated to change behaviors to promote a healthier lifestyle and prevent cancer recurrence," said Sarah Rousch, who led the investigation.