Making lifestyle changes after colorectal cancer: insights for program development.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Healthy lifestyle behaviors can positively impact outcomes for individuals with colorectal cancer (CRC).
• Behavioral change intentions may be influenced by time and resource availability.
• Understanding current behaviors and desires for change is crucial for effective support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the prevalence of current lifestyle behaviors in individuals with and without CRC.
• To identify the desire for lifestyle changes among CRC patients.
• To determine preferred resources for facilitating lifestyle modifications.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods survey was administered to participants.
• Participants included individuals with CRC at various treatment stages (pre-treatment, undergoing, post-treatment) and a cancer-free control group.
• Sample sizes: 54 (pre-treatment CRC), 62 (ongoing treatment CRC), 67 (post-treatment <6 months CRC), 178 (post-treatment >6 months CRC), 83 (cancer-free).

Main Results:

• Lifestyle behaviors were generally similar across groups, except for lower vigorous physical activity in pre-treatment and ongoing treatment CRC patients.
• CRC survivors reported making more lifestyle changes compared to cancer-free individuals.
• Among CRC patients, dietary changes were most common (39.3%), and increased physical activity was most desired (39.1%).
• Desired resources included complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), reading materials, self-efficacy tools, and group activities.

Conclusions:

• Lifestyle change resources should be accessible for individuals diagnosed with CRC.
• Resources should specifically target physical activity, CAM, and dietary modifications.
• Lifestyle programs integrated throughout the cancer care continuum, including post-treatment, may be beneficial and well-received.