Body mass index, physical activity, and mortality in women diagnosed with ovarian cancer: Results from the Women's Health Initiative

Abstract

Background Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at late stages and consequently the 5-year survival rate is only 44%. However, there is limited knowledge of the association of modifiable lifestyle factors, such as physical activity and obesity on mortality among women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The purpose of our study was to prospectively investigate the association of (1) measured body mass index (BMI), and (2) self-reported physical activity with ovarian cancer-specific and all-cause mortality in postmenopausal women enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI). Methods Participants were 600 women diagnosed with primary ovarian cancer subsequent to enrollment in WHI. Exposure data, including measured height and weight and reported physical activity from recreation and walking, used in this analysis were ascertained at the baseline visit for the WHI. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to examine the associations between BMI, physical activity and mortality endpoints. Results Vigorous-intensity physical activity was associated with a 26% lower risk of ovarian cancer specific-mortality (HR=0.74; 95% CI: 0.56–0.98) and a 24% lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR=0.76; 95% CI: 0.58–0.98) compared to no vigorous-intensity physical activity. BMI was not associated with mortality. Conclusions Participating in vigorous-intensity physical activity, assessed prior to ovarian cancer diagnosis, appears to be associated with a lower risk of ovarian cancer mortality.

The Impact of Underweight Status on the Prognosis of Ovarian Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis

“…The clinical outcome and the treatment-related adverse effects are tabulated in Tables 3 and 4, respectively. Overall, we identified 9 studies that enrolled 2,700 patients who suffered from ovarian cancer (15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23). Among them the vast majority were of normal weight (2,505 patients, 92.8%), whereas only 195 patients were defined as underweight (7.2%).…”

“…Among them the vast majority were of normal weight (2,505 patients, 92.8%), whereas only 195 patients were defined as underweight (7.2%). Three studies received funding from national institutes (15,21,22). One of them also received funding from a private corporation (Sanofi Pharmaceuticals, Gentilly, France) (15).…”

Diabetes mellitus and ovarian cancer: More complex than just increasing risk

“…Similar to studies examining diabetes and cancer, there are many common factors contributing to the development of both diseases that complicates the analysis. We do not routinely collect data regarding physical activity and diet, which certainly contributes to diabetes outcomes but also may contribute to cancer outcomes 35-38 . Patients were considered to have diabetes only if they had a recorded diagnosis or an antihyperglycemic medication was listed, as hemoglobin A1c levels and fasting glucose levels are not a standard part of our preoperative workup.…”

Urinary interleukin-1ß levels among gynecological patients

“…While some studies have shown no association between BMI five to ten years prior to OC diagnosis and OC mortality [37,38], they do suggest that obesity is associated with poor outcome [39]. Consequently, obesity itself may not be the leading factor for increased OC mortality, but may act as a comorbidity factor.…”