Physical and Mental Health Status and Health Behaviors of Survivors of Multiple Cancers: a National, Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the unique experience of adults with a history of multiple cancer diagnoses (i.e., survivors of multiple cancers). PURPOSE: This research assessed the health status and health behaviors of survivors of multiple cancers. METHODS: The health status and health behaviors of 8,734 survivors of multiple cancers, 47,562 survivors of a single cancer, and 348,229 non-cancer controls were compared using weighted data from the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. RESULTS: Survivors of multiple cancers reported poorer physical and mental health status outcomes (e.g., more mental distress and greater activity limitations) than survivors of a single cancer (all p's < 0.001) who reported poorer outcomes than controls (all p's < 0.001). Survivors of multiple cancers reported unhealthier behaviors than survivors of a single cancer and healthier behaviors than controls on most health behavior outcomes (e.g., alcohol use, tobacco use, and diet) (all p's < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Data suggest the need for clinical interventions to enhance physical and mental health status and to increase adoption of healthier behaviors in survivors of multiple cancers.