Do Adults Change Their Lifestyle Behaviors After a Cancer Diagnosis?

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine changes in lifestyle behaviors after a cancer diagnosis and medical and demographic influences on such changes. METHODS: Adult cancer survivors (n = 352) completed a survey including demographic, medical, and lifestyle behavior change questions. RESULTS: Results showed that since cancer diagnosis, 46% of smokers quit smoking, 47% improved their dietary habits, and 30.1% exercised less. Adult cancer survivors who changed their lifestyle behaviors varied, depending on various demographic and medical variables and physician recommendation. CONCLUSION: It appears from our data that cancer diagnosis in adults may have a positive influence on smoking and diet and a negative influence on exercise.