Cancer Survivors Do Not Know Enough About Metabolic Syndrome

A study published in PLoS One in June 2018 found cancer survivors' knowledge of metabolic syndrome and related conditions insufficient. Remarkably, although of every 3 survivors, 1 already had it, they were unaware.

Of the Following 5 Criteria, at Least 3 Are Required for Diagnosis:

• Waist circumference >102 cm in men and >88 cm in women
• Triglycerides, a blood fat, above 150 mg/dL or medication for this
• HDL, known as good cholesterol, < 40 mg/dL in men and <50 mg/dL in women
• Blood pressure ≥130/85 mmHg or antihypertensive medication
• Fasting glucose above 100 mg/dL or medication (insulin or diabetes pills)

Cancer survivor numbers grow worldwide, and research continues to help them live longer and survive.

Cardiovascular diseaseis among metabolic syndrome's conditions and the most common causes of death in survivors. Another study found survivors had, compared with people never diagnosed with cancer, 2 to 4 times more metabolic syndrome.

This Korean study examined survivors' awareness, knowledge and prevalence. Participants older than 20, totaling 88 diagnosed patients, completed a survey showing;

• More than half had heard of metabolic syndrome
• Only %6.8 knew they had it, while the actual figure was %34
• Of participants, %70 knew physical measures such as weight, blood pressure and waist circumference and other physical measurements, but were unaware that blood testing is used to establish a metabolic syndrome diagnosis.
• Correct responses to disease-knowledge questions were, respectively: cholesterol levels %37; myocardial infarction (heart attack) %38; diabetes % 39; arteriosclerosis (arterial blockage) %46; hypertension %47; fatty accumulation %47; stroke %63.

Knowledge was generally inadequate despite more than one-third having the syndrome. Survivors should understand potentially fatal conditions such as metabolic syndrome. Lifestyle changes for longer, better lives and regular medical follow-up play important roles in reducing risk.

• A Warning of Poor Outcomes: Metabolic Syndrome! (in Detail)