Health behavior change among breast cancer patients

Changes in health behavior among women with breast cancer with respect to food intake, exercise and smoking habits are considered. We aimed to analyze (1) significant modifications of these behaviors about a year after breast cancer surgery and (2) the impact of social, medical and behavioral patient characteristics on these changes. Data were derived from a longitudinal study of 229 women (age < 70) in Germany with a first manifestation of breast cancer. Food intake, physical activity and smoking were assessed by means of personal interviews immediately after surgery (T0) and 14 months later (T1). The intake of fruits and vegetables and physical exercise increased significantly over the observation period. Socio-demographic and medical parameters were largely irrelevant for behavioral changes while smoking status turned out as most important for changes in daily fruit consumption. The results demonstrate that breast cancer patients change their lifestyle habits in a significant way even without intervention. Patients who smoke are in particular need of professional support to implement health-promoting behavior, and intervention should especially focus on this group.