Cancer survivors, families express strong intentions for lifestyle changes after final cancer treatment

the Oncology Nurse Advisor take:

According to a new study conducted by researchers at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, researchers have found that the period of time between a patient's final cancer treatment and the patient's first post-treatment follow-up appointment may be the best time for the patient's entire household to start a healthy lifestyle.

For the study, researchers surveyed and interviewed cancer survivors diagnosed with breast, lung, colorectal, head and neck, or prostate cancers and their family caregivers within 3 weeks of a patient's final cancer treatment.

Questions were designed to determine family members' intentions, physical activity, perceived benefit and confidence about eating a healthy diet, and smoking cessation. Results showed that caregivers and family members strongly intended to improve their nutrition and physical activity, but also acknowledged dealing with high levels of emotional distress.

Patients also reported intentions to improve physical activity and nutrition. The findings support the use of interventions to help cancer survivors and their cancer caregivers to make behavioral changes during the period between the final cancer treatment and the first follow-up appointment.

The researchers also encourage caregivers to seek resources to help manage the mental and physical stress of caring for someone with cancer.