Introduction:

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends guidelines to improve the quality of life and survival of cancer survivors, but adherence is low worldwide, and there are no data in Uruguay.

Objective:

To evaluate the adherence of cancer survivors in Uruguay to the five healthy behavior guidelines recommended by the ACS at the Hospital de Clínicas and the Hospital Departamental de Soriano.

Materials and Methods:

Observational and prospective study with 288 patients with early-stage cancer (I-III). A questionnaire on healthy habits was used. Patients were classified into low (0-2), moderate (3), and high adherence (4-5). Relationships between adherence and demographic and clinical variables were analyzed using R software.

Results:

A total of 288 patients were included, 15% consumed enough fruits and vegetables, 63,5% maintained a BMI <30, 32.3% achieved the recommended physical activity, 80.6% did not smoke, and 95,5% did not drink alcohol excessively. Adherence was low in 42%, moderate in 29,5%, and high in 28.5%, being higher among young people (p=0,009), women (p=0,004), patients with higher educational level (p<0,001), and those diagnosed at earlier stages (p=0.009).

Conclusions:

Most survivors followed the recommendations to abstain from smoking and moderate alcohol consumption, but one-third had a BMI above the recommended level, two-thirds did not reach the recommended level of physical activity, and 85% did not consume the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables. Adherence was lower in older patients, men, those with stage III cancer, and those with lower educational levels, suggesting the need for specific interventions.

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