Do Adults Change Their Lifestyle Behaviors After a Cancer Diagnosis?

Chris M. Blanchard, PhD; Maxine M. Denniston, MSPH; Frank Baker, PhD Stuart R. Ainsworth, MA; Kerry S. Courneya, PhD; Danette M. Hann, PhD Dean H. Gesme, MD; Douglas Reding, MD; Thomas Flynn, MD John S. Kennedy, MD, FACS

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.

Key words: adult cancer survivors, smoking, exercise, diet
Am J Health Behav 2003;27(3):246-256