Socioeconomic status is correlated with adiposity in childhood cancer survivors.

Abstract

Purpose We examined the association between unemployment, cancer type and total body fat percentage in the childhood cancer survivors (CCS) cohort. Methods Survivors completed questionnaires on socioeconomic status; body fat percentage was assessed by bio-impedance (normal body fat percentage: 10–20% men; 18–28% women). Results The highest unemployment rate was in the group of CCS with a diagnosis of brain and spinal column tumours (72.7%). CCS after brain and spinal column tumours also had a significantly higher percentage of body fat than CCS with other diagnoses (p-value 0.0354). Survivors who did not undergo CNS-directed treatment were 5 times more likely to be employed (p-value 0.013). Conclusions Survivors of brain or central nervous system (CNS) cancer in childhood are at major risk of unemployment, which can affect their health and psychosocial integration. At the same time, this group has a significantly higher proportion of body fat than survivors of other diagnoses, which may have a considerable impact on the development of cardiometabolic disorders and their overall quality of life. Trial registration: This study was registered on July 29, 2022, at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05481229). Implications for Cancer Survivors: Interventions should focus on creating support programs that address labour market inclusion hand-in-hand with promoting good lifestyle and body weight reduction.