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BMC Women's Health

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Nutrition | Research article

Lifestyle modifications after the diagnosis of gynecological cancer

Authors: Daniela Paepke, Clea Wiedeck, Alexander Hapfelmeier, Marion Kiechle, Christine Brambs

Published in: BMC Women's Health | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

The influence of lifestyle factors on the quality of life, incidence and tumor recurrence has been evaluated in several studies and is gaining increasing importance in cancer research. However, the extent of the influence of such lifestyle factors on the quality of life of cancer patients remains largely unclear, as does the number of patients actually pursuing these lifestyle changes. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and predictors of lifestyle changes in patients with gynecological cancer.

Methods

The survey consisted of a pseudonymous questionnaire that was conducted from January to May 2014 via a telephone interview with 141 patients with a gynaecological malignancy who had undergone surgery at our Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics. Lifestyle factors (diet, physical activity, stress level, alcohol and nicotine consumption) prior to and after the diagnosis of cancer were evaluated.

Results

89% (n = 125) of the patients reported lifestyle changes after being diagnosed with cancer. There was a significant association between the implementation of lifestyle changes and age as well as the use of complementary medicine. Nutrition: 66% of the patients (n = 93) consumed more fruit and vegetables and 65% ate less meat (n = 92). Physical activity: 37% (n = 52) reported no change in their exercise routine, 36% (n = 51) described a decrease, 27% (n = 38) an increase in their physical activity. Subjective feeling of stress: 77% of the patients (n = 108) described a reduction in their perceived level of stress. Nicotine consumption: 63% (n = 12) of the 19 patients who were smokers at the time of the diagnosis quit or reduced smoking thereafter. Alcohol consumption: 47% (n = 61/129) of the patients reduced their alcohol consumption.

Conclusions

Most of the patients from our study group implemented lifestyle changes after being diagnosed with cancer. Prospective randomized trials are needed in order to determine the benefit of lifestyle changes (physical activity, dietary habits and stress reduction) for cancer survivors. The potential impact of lifestyle on the quality of life and the trajectory of the disease should be discussed with all oncological patients.

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Title: Lifestyle modifications after the diagnosis of gynecological cancer
Authors: Daniela Paepke
Clea Wiedeck
Alexander Hapfelmeier
Marion Kiechle
Christine Brambs
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Nutrition
Gynecologic Cancer
Lifestyle Modifications
Published in: BMC Women's Health / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6874
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-021-01391-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Lifestyle modifications after the diagnosis of gynecological cancer

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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