A Healthy Lifestyle Helps Lower Childhood Cancer Survivor's Risk of Metabolic Syndrome

The likelihood of survival for a child cancer patient is dependent on many genetic and environmental factors.

A recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, CANCER, found that these cancer survivors are oftentimes at a greater risk for developing metabolic syndrome. However, researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis note that following the proper dietary guidelines and exercise regimen can decrease their risk for the health issue. 

Adults who have had cancer as children are at an increased risk for metabolic syndrome: numerous risk factors that contribute to the overall likelihood of developing heart disease and other problems, including diabetes and stroke. Many who suffer from metabolic syndrome also have high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol and glucose levels, as well as increased body fat percentage.

Certain lifestyle habits can help to prevent the risk of this issue, according to researchers. For the study, they examined 1,598 childhood cancer survivors who were cancer-free for at least 10 years. All participants were given questionnaires and tests to determine their routine lifestyle health regimens. Researchers looked for habits similar to guidelines issued by the American Institute for Cancer Research.

For those who met at least four of the seven recommendations, they were classified as following a proper health routine.

Findings revealed that metabolic syndrome was present in about 31.8 percent of the participants, while 27 percent followed healthy lifestyle guidelines. Females who did not follow the guidelines were 2.4 times more likely to have metabolic syndrome, while males were 2.2 times more likely.

"These findings are important because they indicate that adults who were treated for cancer as children have the opportunity to influence their own health outcomes," said Kristen Ness, PT, PhD, of the hospital, in a news release. "Cancer survivors should not smoke. In addition, adopting a lifestyle that includes maintaining a healthy body weight, regular physical activity, and a diet that includes fruits and vegetables and that limits refined sugars, excessive alcohol, red meat, and salt has potential to prevent development of the metabolic syndrome."