Comprehensive Lifestyle Modification Intervention to Improve Chronic Disease Risk Factors and Quality of Life in Cancer Survivors

Objectives: Healthy lifestyle modifications, including weight management, regular physical activity, prudent diet, and stress relief, have been identified as key components of tertiary cancer prevention. In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive, lifestyle medicine intervention, Lifestyle 180 ® , on chronic disease risk factors and quality of life in cancer survivors. Design: Retrospective subgroup analysis of a clinical program. Settings/Location: An outpatient medical facility. Subjects: Lifestyle 180 participants with a diagnosis of past cancer. Intervention: Sixty-four hours of intensive nutrition, culinary medicine, physical activity, and stress relief practices over a 6-month period, with 9- and 12-month follow-up. Outcome measures: Pre–postanalysis (baseline vs. 12 months) included biometrics: weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and blood pressure; standard laboratory tests: lipids, C-reactive protein, fasting insulin/glucose, and insulin resistance; and empirically validated questionnaires: perceived stress, depression, and quality of life. Results: Fifty-eight cancer survivors participated in Lifestyle 180. Average age was 63 years, roughly 75% of participants were female, and the greatest majority had a diagnosis of breast, prostate, or skin cancer. Diagnosis of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and prediabetes presented in 47%, 57%, 22%, and 50% of patients, respectively. Forty-five percent of patients were obese, 24% were overweight, and 16% were depressed. At 12 months, participants lost an average of 14 pounds (−6.6%, p