Cancer Recurrence Prevention - Strategies for Survivors

(Source: Pages 50-55 of "Pan Canadian Guidance on Organization and Structure of Survivorship Services and Psychosocial-Supportive Care Best Practices for Adult Cancer Survivors")

One systematic review and two randomized controlled trials inform the topic of psychosocial or lifestyle interventions designed to improve survival outcomes in the survivor population. A meta-analysis conducted by Smedslund & Ringdal (2004) investigated the effects of psychosocial interventions on cancer survival. This analysis included eight randomized trials and five controlled studies with a total of 2,626 participants. These interventions, conducted either pre- or post-treatment, primarily among women treated for breast cancer, showed no significant impact on survival rates overall. However, interventions using individual treatment were found to be effective, while group interventions showed no effect.

Two large randomized controlled trials of lifestyle interventions evaluated disease-free survival and disease recurrence among breast cancer survivors. Both trials implemented a dietary modification program, with one comparing a standard protocol to a more structured, behavior-based intervention. After a median follow-up of 60 months, dietary fat intake was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group, and relapse events were reduced. These findings suggest that dietary changes may play a role in preventing cancer recurrence among survivors.