Kaitlyn D’Onofrio

DocwireNews

A study observed a correlation between cancer diagnosis and poorer ambulatory function, including slow walking pace, which was ultimately tied to an increased mortality risk.&ldquo;Our findings suggest that functional health may be adversely affected by a broad range of cancer diagnoses and may be an important determinant for survival,&rdquo; said Salerno. &ldquo;There is still much to be learned about these complex relationships, but our results highlight the potential importance of monitoring, and even targeting, ambulatory function after cancer for survival benefits, particularly in older cancer survivors,&rdquo; said first author Elizabeth Salerno, PhD, MPH, assistant professor of surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, <a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-03/aafc-afa030221.php">in a press release</a>.Adults were identified from the National Institutes of Health-American Association of Retired Persons Diet and Health Study (1994-96). Participants reported their ambulatory function between 2004 and 2006 and were followed for mortality from the time of their reporting through 2011.There were 233,135 total adults, of whom 30,403 were <a href="https://www.docwirenews.com/urban-health-today/urban-health-picks/racial-differences-in-emotional-distress-among-breast-cancer-survivors-during-covid-19-pandemic-reflects-past-healthcare-experiences/">cancer survivors</a> and 202,732 were cancer-free. When compared to the non-cancer controls, and when adjusting for baseline demographics, health indicators, and cancer type, cancer survivors were more likely to walk at the slowest pace (odds ratio [OR], 1.42) and have mobility disability (OR, 1.24). Cancer survivors with the slowest pace, compared to those who walked the fastest, had higher risks for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 2.22) and cancer mortality (HR, 2.12), with similar outcomes for mobility disability (HRs &gt;1.64). The associations with all-cause mortality were significant for more than nine cancer types, the study authors added (the study analyzed 15 different types of cancer).&ldquo;Cancer survivors are living longer than ever&mdash;and that&rsquo;s good news,&rdquo; <a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-03/wuso-wpa030321.php">said Dr. Salerno</a>. &ldquo;But it&rsquo;s important to improve our understanding of how the diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of cancers may affect walking pace during survivorship&mdash;a potentially modifiable risk factor&mdash;which could lead to new treatment and rehabilitation strategies to improve the health of these patients.&rdquo;The study was published in <a href="https://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2021/03/02/1055-9965.EPI-20-1473">Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers &amp; Prevention</a>.&ldquo;Next steps include identifying the underlying reasons for these associations. It&rsquo;s possible that slow walking may be due to the cancer itself, adverse effects of treatment, or changes in lifestyle. There is still much to be learned about these complex relationships, but our results highlight the importance of monitoring and even targeting walking pace after cancer,&rdquo; Dr. Salerno said.

Jordana Jampel

Positive Preliminary Results From Phase 1 Trial of Dopaminergic Neuron Graft for Parkinson’s Disease

Dementia

Bradley Warady, MD

Joel M. Topf, MD, FACP

2025 Hume Award Winner Is Dedicated to Children’s Care

NKF Spring Clinical Meetings 2025

Distant Brain Metastases in Cutaneous Melanoma May Be Mitigated With Multiple Pathway Inhibitors

Melanoma

Latest News

Slow Walking Pace May Be Linked To Mortality in Cancer Survivors

Oncology

A study observed a correlation between cancer diagnosis and poorer ambulatory function, including slow walking pace, which was ultimately tied to an increased mortality risk. ...

About Us

Editorial Policy

Advertising

Contact Us

eNewsletters

Contribute

Career Center

MashupMD

Blood Cancers Today

Cancer Nursing Today

GU Oncology Now

Urban Health Today

Bile Duct Cancer

Colorectal Cancer

Gastroesophageal Cancer

Gastric Cancer

GEP-NETs

GIST

Liver Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer

GI Oncology Now

Anemia

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Essential Thrombocythemia

Hemophilia

Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Myelofibrosis

Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Polycythemia Vera

Pulmonary Embolism

Sickle Cell Disease

Thrombocytopenia

Thrombophilia

Thrombosis

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Venous Thromboembolism

von Willebrand Disease

Heme Today

Acute Kidney Injury

ADPKD

Anemia and Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease

COVID-19 and Kidney Disease

Diabetes and Hypertension

End-Stage Renal Disease

Gout

Hyperkalemia

IgAN

Kidney Transplantation

Metabolic Acidosis

Nephrology Times

HER2 Breast Cancer

HR Breast Cancer

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Genetics & Breast Cancer

Breast Cancers Today

Atherosclerotic Disease

Atrial Fibrillation

Heart Failure

Hypertension

Interventional Cardiology

Lipid Management

Practice Tips With Dr. Lichaa

Preventive Cardiology

Stroke

Cardiology

Breast Cancer

Gynecologic Cancer

Head and Neck Cancer

Skin Cancer

Sleep

Urology

Diabetes

Ophthalmology

— Demodex Blepharitis

Neurology

Rheumatology

Gastroenterology

Pulmonology

Infectious Diseases

— HIV

Health and Wellness

Lupus

Future of Medicine

Orthopedics

Pharmacology

Career News

More

Conferences

CardioNerds

The Sleep Source With Dr. Morse

Rheumatology Rounds With Dr. Maheswaranathan

Partners

Expert Interviews

Subscribe