title: Lifestyle factors correlate with the risk of late pelvic symptoms after prostatic radiotherapy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Although technological improvements are reducing the risks of late side-effects of radiotherapy for prostate cancer, the influence of lifestyle has been less well examined. The aim of this study was to correlate the effects of exercise, body mass index and smoking on the incidence and severity of late pelvic symptoms after radical radiotherapy for prostate cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  In total, 440 men completed a questionnaire consisting of the Vaizey rectal symptoms score, the National Cancer Institute common symptoms scores for rectal bleeding, erectile function and urinary incontinence, the General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire and questions regarding smoking, height and weight. The effect of each lifestyle factor on pelvic symptoms was investigated using a non-parametric multivariate ANOVA (Kruskal-Wallis) test and the chi-squared test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the time of the survey, 63.3% of men were overweight or obese (body mass index > 25 kg/m(2)) and 71% were inactive or moderately inactive. Active men had significantly lower rectal symptoms scores (P < 0.001) and better erectile (P < 0.001) and urinary function (P < 0.01). Men smoking more than five a day had higher rectal symptoms scores (P < 0.001), as did overweight men (P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The data show lower late pelvic symptoms after radiotherapy among non-smokers and physically active individuals with a body mass index <25. Although these results would ideally require confirmation in a prospective study, we now include advice on lifestyle in our pre-radiotherapy information pack. The high percentage of obesity and inactivity among this cohort of prostate cancer survivors revealed in this study has prompted the development of an exercise/weight reduction programme in our unit.
authors: The Primrose Research Unit, Bedford Hospital NHS Trust, Bedford, UK. rt@cancernet.co.uk
authors: R J
authors: RJ
authors: Thomas
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Holm
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Williams
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Bowman
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Bellamy
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Andreyev
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Maher
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012007:Rectum / Q000528:radiation effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000503:physiopathology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology