A recent study conducted by researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, has brought to light the significant challenges faced by cancer survivors in terms of physical disabilities.
Surveying nearly 50,000 individuals who have overcome cancer, the findings reveal that more than a quarter of these survivors struggle with mobility issues, and almost one in ten faces difficulties with basic self-care tasks.
These rates are notably higher compared to people who have never had cancer, indicating a profound impact of cancer and its treatment on survivors’ physical abilities.
The study projects these findings onto the broader population of 18.1 million cancer survivors in the United States, estimating that over 5 million of them may be living with mobility disabilities and another 1.3 million might have self-care disabilities.
Such disabilities are not just numbers; they represent significant hurdles in the daily lives of survivors, affecting their independence, quality of life, and ability to perform everyday activities.
Researchers have also identified that the burden of these disabilities is not evenly distributed among all survivors. Racial and ethnic minorities, individuals from underserved communities, those with unhealthy lifestyles, and people with other medical conditions bear a heavier load.
This disparity highlights an urgent need for targeted interventions and support for these vulnerable groups.
One key insight from the study is the critical role of exercise, both during and after cancer treatment. Engaging in physical activities has been shown to help preserve physical function and reduce the risk of developing disabilities.
This underscores the importance of integrating exercise into the treatment and recovery plans for cancer survivors.
The study, which utilized data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System—a nationwide survey conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—offers a comprehensive look at the prevalence and patterns of physical disabilities among cancer survivors.
With 47,768 cancer survivors and 2.4 million non-cancer individuals participating, the research provides a clear comparison that emphasizes the increased vulnerability of cancer survivors to physical impairments.
The findings revealed that 27.9% of cancer survivors reported mobility disabilities, such as difficulties in walking or climbing stairs, compared to 13.4% of adults without a cancer history.
Moreover, 7.4% of survivors experienced self-care disabilities, affecting their ability to dress or bathe independently, while only 3.8% of non-cancer individuals reported such issues.
Interestingly, the study also uncovered differences within the survivor group itself. Women, for instance, reported more mobility issues than men.
Additionally, mobility disabilities were more prevalent among non-Hispanic Blacks, Native Americans, and Hispanics than among non-Hispanic whites.
Factors such as low educational levels, lower family income, being unmarried, obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, and the presence of chronic conditions were linked to a higher likelihood of mobility disabilities among survivors.
These findings serve as a call to action for developing strategies to minimize the long-term side effects of cancer treatments and to promote lifestyle changes, such as increased physical activity, that can significantly improve the lives of cancer survivors.
The research not only sheds light on the physical challenges faced by survivors but also emphasizes the need for comprehensive support systems to help them navigate these difficulties and enhance their overall well-being.
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The research findings can be found in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
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