Lifestyle Factors in Patients with Bladder Cancer: A Contemporary Picture of Tobacco Smoking, Electronic Cigarette Use, Body Mass Index, and Levels of Physical Activity.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Little is known about contemporary lifestyle choices in patients with bladder cancer (BC). These choices include carcinogenic risk factors and could affect fitness to receive treatments. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the contemporary lifestyle choices in BC patients. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Self-reported surveys from participants diagnosed with BC in the previous 10 yr captured smoking patterns, e-cigarette use, physical activity using the GODIN Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire, long-term conditions (LTCs), relationship status, sociodemographics, and body mass index (BMI; height and weight). OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Findings were compared with the general population and men with prostate cancer. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Completed surveys were received from 2092 participants. Most respondents were ex-smokers (61% vs 10% current vs 29% never). The use of e-cigarettes was uncommon (9%) and at lower rates than the age-equivalent general population. Passive smoke exposure was frequent (48%). Most participants (68%) were "insufficiently active" using the GODIN criteria and less physically active than the age-equivalent general population. Most respondents (44%) were classified as overweight (BMI 25-29.99) or obese (22%, BMI >30). Lifestyle factors varied with age, sex, socioeconomic deprivation, and LTCs. Younger participants were less likely to smoke (p < 0.001), more likely to have used e-cigarettes (p < 0.001), but more likely to have had passive smoke exposure (p = 0.008). Those from less affluent areas were more likely to smoke (p < 0.001), have used e-cigarettes (p < 0.001), and have had passive smoke exposure (p = 0.02). Females were less likely to be smokers (p < 0.001) but more likely to have been exposed to passive smoke (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Persons affected by BC often have smoking exposures and high BMI, and are insufficiently active. Rates of e-cigarette use were lower than in the general population. Efforts to improve quality of life in this cohort should include wider advocation of smoking cessation, perhaps including the use of e-cigarettes, and programmes to increase exercise and reduce BMI. PATIENT SUMMARY: We looked at the lifestyle choices, such as smoking, e-cigarette use, physical activity levels, and obesity, of patients following a bladder cancer diagnosis. We conclude that this population would benefit from healthy lifestyle interventions.