There were significant differences between the intervention and control groups for all targeted behaviors except endurance exercise frequency. Duration of strength training exercise and endurance exercise minutes increased in the intervention group and remained stable in the control group. The average intake of fruits and vegetables increased by 1.24 daily servings in the intervention group and by 0.13 daily servings in the control group. The average consumption of saturated fat decreased by 3.06 grams per day in the intervention group and by only 1.07 grams per day in the control group. Participants in the intervention group reported an average weight loss of 4.5 pounds, which was more than twice that reported by the control group (2.03 pounds).

Overall health-related quality of life decreased in every subscale in the control group throughout the 12-month period. In the intervention group, decreases in subscale scores were of lower magnitude and were sustained for overall health and mental health.

"In conclusion, this study provides data on a long overlooked, yet important faction in older long-term cancer survivors. Long-term survivors of colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer participating in a diet and exercise intervention reduced the rate of self-reported physical function decline in comparison with a group receiving no intervention," the researchers write. "Future studies should not only assess the effect on health and well-being, but also should address cost-related outcomes, especially given that the economic burden associated with functional decline and loss of independence is exceedingly high."

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