Long term information on lifestyle changes among prostate survivors is lacking. In this nation-wide, population-based study we investigated the prevalence of lifestyle changes, factors associated with lifestyle changes and associations between lifestyle changes and general quality of life.
All men registered in the National Prostate Cancer Register of Sweden diagnosed in 2008 with low-risk prostate cancer at age 70 years or younger were sent a questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals for factors potentially associated with lifestyle change.
1288 out of 1720 men (75%) responded. 279 (22%) reported a positive lifestyle change regarding diet or exercise. Poor functional outcomes after treatment was associated with exercising less (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.1) and less interest in social activities and relationships (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.5-2.1). Men who exercised more (OR 7.9, 95% CI 4.4-14) and men who had an increased interest in relationships and social activities (OR 5.2, 95% CI 2.1-13) reported higher general quality of life.
A considerable proportion of men reported making positive lifestyle changes after the prostate cancer diagnosis. The time after diagnosis may be a teachable moment that facilitates lifestyle interventions. Poor functional outcomes after treatment may reduce the willingness to engage in positive lifestyle change, which need be considered when supporting men after treatment. Men who made a positive lifestyle change, regardless of whether it was exercise or regarding relationships and social activities more often reported a high level of general quality of life.
Psycho-oncology. 2020 Aug 10 [Epub ahead of print]
Oskar Bergengren, Anna Pia Enblad, Hans Garmo, Ola Bratt, Lars Holmberg, Eva Johansson, Anna Bill-Axelson
Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden., Regional Cancer Center Uppsala Örebro, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden., Department of Urology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.