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Social Engagement and CRC Survival Evaluated
Cancer; ePub 2017 Nov 21; Sarma, Kawachi, et al
Survival after a colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis appears to be substantially better in women who are socially engaged, researchers concluded after conducting a study involving nearly 900 individuals. Participants were from the Nurses' Health Study and were diagnosed with stage I, II, or III CRC between 1992 and 2012. Investigators assessed social integration every 4 years. Among the results:
- There were 380 deaths, 167 due to CRC.
- Women who were socially integrated pre-diagnosis had a 35% reduced risk of all-cause mortality, vs those who were socially isolated.
- They had a 37% reduced risk of CRC mortality.
- Women with more intimate ties with family and friends had a 39% reduced risk of all-cause mortality, vs those with few intimate ties.
- They had a 41% reduced risk of CRC mortality.
- Participating in religious or community activities had no bearing on outcomes.
- Postdiagnosis social integration analysis produced similar results.
Citation:
Sarma E, Kawachi I, Poole E, et al. Social integration and survival after diagnosis of colorectal cancer. [Published online ahead of print November 21, 2017]. Cancer. doi:10.1002/cncr.31117.