The Role of Health Behaviors in Quality of Life: A Longitudinal Study of Patients with Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy and the second most common cancer-related cause of death worldwide. CRC incidence depends, in part, on the health behaviors that make up an individual’s lifestyle. We aimed to assess the influence of health behaviors and quality of life (QoL) among patients with CRC receiving surgical treatment. In this single-center questionnaire study, 151 patients were surveyed 1 week before and 6 months after colorectal procedures (laparoscopic hemicolectomy, low rectal anterior resection, abdominoperineal resection, and others). This study demonstrated a significant decrease in alcohol consumption and physical activity following the execution of colorectal procedures. No statistically significant changes were observed in smoking or the consumption of healthy food. Global QoL did not change significantly; however, a decrease in physical and role-related functioning was observed. Significant improvements in emotional functioning were also observed. A detailed analysis showed that physical and social functioning were related to smoking, the consumption of healthy food, physical activity, and additional therapies. Emotional functioning was related to smoking, the consumption of healthy food, and complementary treatments. Six months following an operation, it was also dependent on alcohol intake. Physical functioning was the area that decreased the most in the six months after colorectal tumor surgery compared to the period before surgery. Health behaviors such as cessation of smoking, engagement in physical activity, and the consumption of healthy food contributed to a higher quality of life among patients prior to resecting colorectal cancer and six months after the procedure. Patients who received adjuvant/neoadjuvant therapy had a lower quality of life than patients who did not receive this type of therapy. The kind of surgery (laparoscopic hemicolectomy, lower anterior rectum resection, or abdominoperineal rectum resection) was not related to QoL six months after surgery.

Healthy Lifestyle and Quality of Life in Post-Operative Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Five-Month Observational Study

“…In the present study, the effect of smoking on HRQOL failed to reach statistical significance, possibly due to the relatively small number of smokers observed (seven current smokers [10.0%] and eight former smokers [11.4%]) and the follow-up period only being 9 months. Therefore, previous findings of lower HRQOL in smokers [ 33 , 34 ] cannot be confirmed by the results of the present study. A larger sample size and a longer follow-up period may have greater statistical power to detect the effects of smoking on HRQOL.…”

Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Combined Online Group Psychotherapy (TCM-eRhab) on Improving Quality of Life and Relieving Psychological Burden for Colorectal Cancer Survivors: A Study Protocol for A Phase-II Randomized Controlled Trial

“…In addition, each patient will receive a comprehensive psychological, symptom and survivorship care needs assessment that is carried out at the beginning of the therapy, so that individualized TCM and supportive care plans can be integrated into the related session. So far, several studies have proved that education on lifestyle and health behavior has positive impact on CRC patients' quality of life 20,21 . To the best of our knowledge, the current study is one of the rst to integrate methods and opinions of TCM into such education program and group therapy.…”

Healthy Lifestyle and Cancer Risk: Modifiable Risk Factors to Prevent Cancer

“…At the same time, white meat such as fish and poultry is secure and not linked with colorectal cancer development [ 199 ]. It has been shown, however, that nutrition rich in dietary fiber, including fruit, vegetables, and cereals, is connected with a decrease in the risk of CRC by up to 50% [ 200 ]. A prospective study reported that fiber consumption from bread and breakfast cereals is linked with a 14% reduced danger of colorectal cancer [ 199 ].…”