Is a diagnosis of invasive breast cancer an effective motivational factor for lifestyle change?
9602 Background: While survival rates for patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer have increased dramatically, survivors often face a host of adverse health effects. Factors such as obesity, physical activity and tobacco may contribute to decreased survival and quality of life. Here, we evaluated behavioral risk factors in patients with and without breast cancer to determine whether a diagnosis of invasive disease was sufficient motivation to modify lifestyle choices. Methods: The dataset included patients undergoing surgical procedures between 2001 and 2006 and diagnosed with malignant (n=299) or benign (n=130) breast disease and who had baseline and 1-year follow-up information available. Changes in BMI, fat intake, exercise frequency, alcohol and tobacco use, caffeine consumption and frequency of breast self exam (BSE) were assessed. Results: At baseline (diagnosis), significantly more (P<0.005) invasive patients (70%) were menopausal compared to benign patients (48%), no other patient characteristics were significantly different between malignant and benign groups at baseline; a majority in both groups were overweight, non (current) smokers, and consumed high fat diets, ∼40% reported exercising >3 times/week, >60% had high (>500 mg/day) levels of caffeine and consumed low (<1 drink/month) levels of alcohol. The only modifiable behavior that showed a significant change (P<0.05) between baseline and 1-year from diagnosis was compliance with recommended BSE frequency in invasive patients, improving from 61% of patients at baseline to 72% one year later; a concomitant change was not seen in benign patients. No other behaviors changed either from baseline to 1-year or between invasive and benign patients. Conclusions: The paucity of behavioral changes after a diagnosis of breast cancer suggests that a diagnosis of breast cancer is not sufficient motivation to promote healthier lifestyles. Our data suggest a need for increased health-related behavioral counseling and support systems to successfully modify personal behaviors. Development and implementation of lifestyle recommendations have the potential to improve the health and quality of life of breast cancer survivors. No significant financial relationships to disclose.