Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, Diet, and Habits in Older Patients With Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is characterized by high incidence and mortality rates among men and women in Mexico and worldwide. Its multifactorial etiology is strongly associated with environmental factors, particularly among older adults, including physical activity, sedentary behavior, and diet.

We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study using a food frequency questionnaire validated for the Mexican population and a tool developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess risk factors for chronic diseases and physical activity levels.

The overall prevalence of a sedentary lifestyle was 55.6%, although most participants reported moderate levels of physical activity. Three dietary patterns were identified: healthy, carbohydrates and protein, and fats and sugars. Women exhibited greater adherence to the healthy dietary pattern. Multivariate analysis indicated that farm workers were more likely to achieve adequate physical activity levels compared to office workers (odds ratio (OR) = 0.080, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.014-0.461). Younger participants (under 50 years) (OR = 0.239, 95% CI 0.059-0.966) and those diagnosed with colon cancer (OR = 0.237, 95% CI 0.066-0.848) also had higher activity levels compared to patients with rectal cancer.

Physical activity levels were influenced by occupation, cancer type, and age, underscoring the importance of tailored interventions. Two of the three dietary patterns were classified as healthy, with one providing greater dietary diversity and balance. These findings emphasize the need to promote healthier lifestyles among patients with CRC to improve clinical outcomes and reduce sedentary behavior.