Physical exercise and eating habits in cancer survivors

Abstract

Background: Healthy eating habits and active lifestyle have been shown to reduce mortality in chronic disease as in secondary prevention. The purpose was to assess a correct eating habits and physical exercise in overweight cancer survivors, for helping them in integrating back into normal life and in order to improve their life quality and potentially their long-term survival chances. Patients and methods: 26 overweight cancer survivors (from 41 to 75 years old) were enrolled on a physical exercise program. On the first visit (T0), weight, body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumferences, skin fold for estimation of fat mass and Bio Impedance Analysis (BIA) for hydration status were assessed. To each subject was given a food diary, to assess his eating habits. This approach were to correct wrong eating habits. After a week, they received personal advice on nutritional issues on the basis of the American Cancer Society Guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA test. Results: A total of 22 breast cancer patients and 4 colon cancer patients (1 patient metastatic from enrollment) were recruited. During a follow up period of median 37 months, 24 patients were still alive and 21 were free of relapse disease: 1 death for a second metastatic lung cancer, 1 death for colon cancer progression and 3 breast cancer relapse. From the analysis of food diaries, it emerges that fat and sodium consumption was high with low intake of fruits and vegetables. After having changed their eating habits, the following results were observed: after 6 months (T6) the anthropometrics and hydration parameters showed a variation (weight T0: 73.28 +/- 16.11 kg, T6: 72.10 +/- 15.00 kg; p < 0.01; total water T0: 50.94 +/- 6.51%, T6:51.78 +/- 7.51%; p < 0.05; extra-cellular water T0: 47.78+/- 4.70%, T6: 47.98 +/- 4.90%; p < 0.01); after 12 months (T12) the program had a significant effect (weight T12: 71.85 +/- 14.78 kg; p < 0.02, BMI T0: 27.38 +/- 6.51 kg/m2 T12: 26.86 +/- 6.10 kg/m2; p < 0.05; waist circumference T0: 87.96 +/- 15.21 cm, T12: 86.38 +/- 13.16 cm; p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings suggest the importance of nutritional advice along with physical exercise, to improve nutritional status and body composition in overweight cancer survivors. Variation in weight, BMI, waist circumference, total water and extra-cellular water, are been useful for reducing risk factors in chronic disease, including cancer.