title: Factors Associated with Health-Related Quality of Life Among Colorectal Cancer Survivors.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) can provide insights into cancer survivors' physical and mental functioning, their social relationships, and perceptions of their health and well-being. Understanding factors associated with HRQOL may help identify those who are at greater risk for diminished functioning and improve targeted delivery of health promotion programs. This analysis sought to assess sociodemographic and medical factors associated with HRQOL among colorectal cancer survivors and factors that may put survivors at risk for poor functioning. In addition, associations between BMI and physical activity and HRQOL were explored.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data from a cross-sectional study of health behaviors among 593 long-term colorectal cancer survivors recruited through the California Cancer Registry in early 2010 were analyzed in late 2014 to early 2015. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with physical, mental, and overall HRQOL.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean physical and mental HRQOL scores of survivors were 46.88 and 42.28, respectively, and lower than the population norm (50). Being older, having more comorbid conditions, and having had a recurrence were associated with lower physical and overall HRQOL, whereas being physically active was associated with higher physical and overall HRQOL.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings highlight the need to encourage healthcare providers to promote physical activity among sedentary cancer survivors, even at modest levels. In addition, lower mental HRQOL scores may indicate a greater need to screen cancer survivors for psychosocial issues and link them with appropriate services.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Epidemiology and Applied Research Branch, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia. Electronic address: jrodriguez2@cdc.gov.
authors.forename: Juan L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
authors.affiliation: Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Epidemiology and Applied Research Branch, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: Nikki A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Hawkins
authors.affiliation: Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Epidemiology and Applied Research Branch, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: Zahava
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Berkowitz
authors.affiliation: Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Epidemiology and Applied Research Branch, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: Chunyu
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002140:California; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology