Sep 5, 2026
2:00 PM12:00 PM
ePoster display
PD795
ADHERENCE TO LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS IN CANCER SURVIVORS: EVIDENCE OF MAJOR GAPS IN HEALTH BEHAVIORS
C. Saggio1,*, A. C. Tralongo1, F. Romano1, M. Iacono1, F. Cappuccio1, E. Tata1, P. Tralongo1
1Oncology Department, Umberto I Hospital - Asp Siracusa, SIRACUSA, Italy
Rationale: Adherence to lifestyle recommendations is a key component of survivorship care, with relevant implications for quality of life, long-term outcomes and for reducing the risk of recurrence and comorbidities. Despite increasing awareness, implementation in patients’ behavioral patterns remains suboptimal. We assessed adherence to international lifestyle recommendations in cancer patients during follow-up and identified critical areas.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 500 cancer patients during follow-up at the Medical Oncology Unit of Syracuse, Italy. An anonymous questionnaire assessed dietary habits, physical activity, smoking, alcohol use, knowledge of recommendations, lifestyle changes, and information sources. Adherence was classified into four categories (critical, low, moderate, high) based on a predefined score. Descriptive analyses were performed.
Results: The sample was predominantly female (66%) and aged 66–80 years. More than half were overweight or obese. Adherence was suboptimal, with 52% showing low adherence. Physical inactivity was reported in 56% of patients. Only 7% met the recommended fruit and vegetable intake. Adequate knowledge was reported by 23%. Most patients (66%) reported no lifestyle changes after treatment.
Image:
Conclusion: The study highlights low adherence overall and a significant information gap, suggesting the persistence of informational and motivational deficits in the post-treatment period. Additional analyses on information sources and their impact are ongoing; as the study is under evaluation, only preliminary findings are presented, and further results will be reported.
Disclosure of Interest: None declared