An evaluation of lower-body functional limitations among long-term survivors of 11 different types of cancers

Mario Schootman, Rebecca Aft, Donna B. Jeffe

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The authors examined potential reasons (sociodemographics, psychologic distress, health behavior, chronic health conditions, access to medical care) for increased prevalence of lower-body functional limitations among long-term (≥5 years) cancer survivors. METHODS: The authors used National Health Interview Survey data from 2005 through 2007, and defined lower-body functional limitation as reporting difficulty/inability to perform at least 1 of 5 activities (walking approximately one-quarter of a mile; walking up and down 10 steps without rest; standing for 2 hours; stooping, crouching, or kneeling; and lifting 10 lbs). Increased prevalence of lower-body functional limitations was compared between longterm survivors of each of 11 cancer types reported by ≥50 respondents (n = 2143) and persons without cancer history (controls; n = 72,618). RESULTS: Among cancer survivors, 57.0% had a lower-body functional limitation versus 26.6% of controls. The unadjusted prevalence of lower-body functional limitations varied by cancer type, ranging from 44.9% (lymphoma survivors) to 88.8% (lung cancer survivors). Long-term lung (odds ratio [OR], 7.91), uterine (OR, 2.41), thyroid (OR, 2.27), cervical (OR, 1.76), ovarian (OR, 1.75), and breast (OR, 1.35) cancer survivors had increased odds of reporting a lower-body functional limitation than controls after adjusting for sociodemographic factors (all P < .05). Differences in the prevalence of arthritis and lower-back pain and in access to medical care explained differences in lower-body functional limitation prevalence between controls and long-term breast, cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancer survivors. Longterm bladder, colorectal, lymphoma, melanoma, and prostate cancer survivors were equally likely to report a lower-body functional limitation as controls. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of arthritis and lower-back pain and increasing access to medical care might help reduce the risk of lower-body functional limitations and improve quality of life among specific long-term cancer survivors.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5329-5338
Number of pages10
JournalCancer
Volume115
Issue number22
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 15 2009

Keywords

  • Arthritis
  • Dysfunction
  • Lower-back pain
  • Survivors

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