Insufficient physical activity, smoking common in childhood cancer survivors

The possibility of risky behaviours does not significantly differ between adult survivors of childhood cancer and the general population, reports a study. However, the rates of physical activity may be lower and of smoking higher among survivors.

In this nationally representative study, the investigators used the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) sample from 2000 to 2018 and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) sample from 2016 to 2021.

Adults diagnosed with cancer when they were ≤14 years of age were identified. Outcomes such as physical activity, BMI, current smoking, ever-smoking, alcohol use, and binge drinking were evaluated.

In the BRFSS, insufficient physical activity was not statistically significant. However, in the NHIS, childhood cancer survivors had lesser engagement in physical activities than nonchildhood cancer survivors (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.29; p=0.038) and the general population (aOR, 1.40; p=0.006).

Additionally, childhood cancer survivors were more likely to be significantly underweight (aOR, 1.84; p=0.018) and to have ever-smoked (aOR, 1.42; p=0.001) than the general population in the NHIS. In the BRFSS, childhood cancer survivors had a significantly higher likelihood of smoking (aOR, 2.02; p=0.004).

“Targeted interventions are needed to promote healthy behaviours in this vulnerable population,” the investigators said.

“Given the vulnerable health condition of adult childhood cancer survivors, it is essential that they develop positive health behaviours to minimize controllable health risks,” they noted.