Health behaviors among testicular cancer survivors

With modern treatment, more than 95% of American men who are diagnosed with testicular cancer will be cured. Although there is growing evidence that these individuals may face heightened risk of cardiovascular disease after chemotherapy, there is a paucity of research to objectively classify health-promoting behaviors in this population and to identify the barriers to improving their health behaviors.

To identify health behavior patterns in a group of testicular cancer survivors (TCSs) and the barriers to more positive health behaviors and to examine the relationship between barriers, health behaviors, and quality of life (QOL).

TCSs from the Pennsylvania State Cancer Registry who had been diagnosed during 1990-2005 completed a comprehensive survey about QOL, health behaviors, and barriers to optimal healthy behaviors. QOL, health behaviors, and the barriers were assessed for 189 respondents.

Smoking (25%), risky drinking (35%), elevated body-mass index (83%), poor diet (95% did not meet the guidelines for fruit and vegetable intake), and inadequate exercise (50%) were common. Barriers to achieving optimal health behaviors were categorized as either cancer-related or competing demands. Cancer-related barriers contributed to worse physical QOL, whereas competing demands related to worse mental-health-related QOL.

Our sample size was moderate and self-selected. In addition, we used self-reports rather than the more standardized observation or interview-based data collection.

TCSs demonstrate behaviors that put them at increased risk for future cardiovascular disease and complications. Interventions aimed at reducing tobacco and risky alcohol use and improving dietary and physical activity levels are needed.

NCI grant number 1R03CA124217; the Livestrong Foundation.

The authors have no disclosures.