Endocrine, metabolic disorders tied to poor HRQOL, physical activity in childhood cancer survivors

Endocrine and metabolic disorders independently predict low health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and suboptimal physical activity among childhood cancer survivors, suggests a study.

A total of 7,287 survivors (median age at last follow-up survey, 32 years; range, 18–54 years), of whom 4,884 (67 percent) reported at least one endocrine or metabolic disorder. Those with either disorder were more likely to be male, older, have received radiation therapy and have experienced other chronic health conditions.

After controlling for covariates, endocrine or metabolic disorders were associated with poor physical function (risk ratio [RR], 1.25, 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 1.05–1.48), increased bodily pain (RR, 1.27, 95 percent CI, 1.12–1.44), poor general health (RR, 1.49, 95 percent CI, 1.32–1.68) and lower vitality (RR, 1.21, 95 percent CI, 1.09–1.34).

Furthermore, survivors with growth disorders (RR, 0.90, 95 percent CI, 0.83–0.97), osteoporosis (RR, 0.87, 95 percent CI, 0.76–0.99) and overweight/obesity (RR, 0.92, 95 percent CI, 0.88–0.96) were less likely to meet the recommended physical activity.

This retrospective review with longitudinal follow-up was conducted in a cohort of childhood cancer survivors enrolled in the North American Childhood Cancer Survivor Study to determine the independent effects of endocrine and metabolic disorders on HRQOL and physical activity.

The investigators used the Medical Outcomes Short Form-36 to assess HRQOL and dichotomized participation in physical activity as meeting or not meeting recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The association of each endocrine or metabolic disorder with HRQOL scales and physical activity was evaluated using log binomial regression.

“Childhood cancer survivors experience chronic health conditions that impact HRQOL and participation in optimal physical activity,” the investigators said.