9585 Background: Weight gain and inactivity after cancer are associated with poorer cancer outcomes and may predispose to chronic conditions but the prevalence of these among cancer survivors is not well defined. The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to determine whether those with history of cancer have a greater prevalence of chronic conditions and whether their lifestyle behaviours differ from cancer free controls. Methods: Cross-sectional self-reported data were obtained from adult telephone survey respondents between January 2010 and March 2012. Age and gender matched individuals who did not report a cancer diagnosis were randomly selected from the same data source as controls. Data reported included rates of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, and osteoporosis, lifestyle behaviours (diet, physical activity and smoking), obesity, psychological distress and self-reported health. Between-group differences were assessed using McNemar’s test. Results: 2,103 cases and 4,185 controls were included in the analyses. Cancer cases had a higher prevalence than controls for all chronic conditions: cardiovascular disease 22.1% vs 18.4%, p=0.001; hypertension 53.3% vs 50%, p=0.015; hyperlipidaemia 47.8% vs 41.8%, p<0.001; diabetes 16% vs 13%, p=0.006; osteoporosis 13% vs 11%, p=0.013. There were no differences in diet, exercise or obesity. Cancer cases were more likely to report “very high” psychological distress (2.9% vs 1.7%, p=0.005) and “poor-fair” self-rated health (33.5% vs 22.9%, p<0.001). Conclusions: Despite similar diet and exercise habits and levels of obesity the prevalence of chronic conditions was significantly higher amongst those with history of cancer compared to controls. Further research is warranted to explain this increased predisposition to chronic conditions.
Mindfulness, Age and Gender as Protective Factors Against Psychological Distress During COVID-19 Pandemic
