Lifestyle Attitudes and Habits in a Case Series of Patients With Cancer and Metabolic Syndrome

Authors

Kimberly Siu
Isabel Martinez Leal
Natalia I Heredia
Jessica T Foreman
Jessica P Hwang

Publication Date

2-7-2025

Journal

American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased cancer risk and poor cancer prognosis. The current study applied a mixed methods approach to better understand attitudes about making lifestyle changes and current dietary and physical activity behaviors among cancer patients with MetS at a cancer center and to explore the suitability of brief lifestyle questionnaires to help providers understand their patients' lifestyle attitudes and habits. Qualitative interviews were used to obtain patients' perspectives about lifestyle changes, and 3 quantitative questionnaires-the Readiness Ruler, Rate Your Plate, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF)-were used to measure patients' readiness for lifestyle change, dietary habits, and physical activity levels, respectively. Nineteen patients participated in interviews, and 18 patients completed the questionnaires. Interview findings indicated that patients generally prioritized lifestyle changes over medication use, desired collaboration and coordination between multidisciplinary care teams and patient, and desired tailored interventions and practical implementation strategies to manage MetS. Questionnaire findings indicated that most patients agreed with the importance of lifestyle changes and expressed confidence in making them, reporting healthy food choices and high physical activity levels. A multidisciplinary approach tailored to patients' readiness, preferences, and constraints is recommended for effective MetS management in patients with cancer.

Keywords

cancer, metabolic syndrome, lifestyle changes, attitudes

DOI

10.1177/15598276251319262

PMID

39926169

PMCID

PMC11806445

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

2-7-2025

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Published Open-Access

yes