Abstract
Background: Cancer survivors face an increased risk of non-cancer-related deaths, particularly associated with metabolic syndrome. With increased cancer survivors having metabolic syndrome, health-related quality of life beyond cancer diagnosis and treatment has assumed greater importance.
Objective: This study evaluated the prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome in cancer survivors. It examined the correlation between health-related quality of life and influencing factors according to the prevalence of metabolic syndrome.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional national study using secondary data from the 2010-2018 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. We analyzed a final sample of 1293 cancer survivors using multiple regression.
Results: The prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome in cancer survivors was measured at 32.1%. Cancer survivors with metabolic syndrome had a lower health-related quality of life than those without it. The difference was statistically significant. Compared with cancer survivors without metabolic syndrome, those with it experienced substantial negative effects from stress, reducing health-related quality of life. Walking and muscle-building workouts had a positive effect on stress and improved quality of life.
Conclusions: Cancer survivors' metabolic syndrome should be monitored closely. Development of a customized intervention program including stress management and physical activities improves their health-related quality of life.
Implications for Practice: Stress management and physical activities increase health-related quality of life among cancer survivors with metabolic syndrome; thus, healthcare providers should implement intervention programs that promote exercise engagement and stress management for this population.