Background: The results of previous studies on the effects of lifestyle interventions on the quality of life (QoL) in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors remain controversial, and there have been several new publications in this area in recent years.
Objectives: To assess whether lifestyle interventions can lead to favorable health outcomes and improved QoL in CRC survivors, we performed a meta-analysis.
Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched to obtain relevant literature published from January 1, 1990, to November 1, 2021. The required data were extracted and summarized to compare the physical activity levels, QoL, mental health assessment, and anthropometric data between lifestyle interventions and routine nursing.
Results: Twelve studies were included. Compared with the control group, lifestyle interventions could significantly increase the physical activity time (weighted mean difference [WMD], 9.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20-18.48; P = .026), metabolic equivalent task levels (WMD, 10.40; 95% CI, 5.30-15.49; P < .001), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale-Colorectal scores (WMD, 3.12; 95% CI, 0.24-5.99; P = .034). However, lifestyle interventions were not noticeably able to improve the fatigue, depression levels, anxiety levels, waist circumference, or body mass index in CRC survivors.
Conclusion: Lifestyle interventions could generate an increase in physical activity time, metabolic equivalent task levels, and QoL in CRC survivors.
Implications for practice: Lifestyle interventions in the future that include physical activity, diet, or comprehensive programs are needed to increase physical activity levels and improve QoL in CRC survivors.
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