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Original Article
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An evaluation of lower-body functional limitations among long-term survivors of 11 different types of cancers†
Article first published online: 12 AUG 2009
DOI: 10.1002/cncr.24606
Copyright © 2009 American Cancer Society
Additional Information
How to Cite
Schootman, M., Aft, R. and Jeffe, D. B. (2009), An evaluation of lower-body functional limitations among long-term survivors of 11 different types of cancers. Cancer, 115: 5329–5338. doi: 10.1002/cncr.24606
- †
We thank the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, for the use of the Health Behavior and Outreach Core.
Publication History
- Issue published online: 3 NOV 2009
- Article first published online: 12 AUG 2009
- Manuscript Accepted: 23 FEB 2009
- Manuscript Revised: 29 JAN 2009
- Manuscript Received: 18 NOV 2008
Funded by
- National Cancer Institute. Grant Numbers: CA112159, CA91842
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- dysfunction;
- arthritis;
- lower-back pain;
- survivors
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 long-term 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. Long-term 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. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.