Abstract P2-03-08: Influence of Work Schedule Flexibility on Nutrition and Physical Activity Among Employed Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract Introduction: Healthful dietary and physical activity behaviors are essential for breast cancer survivors after treatment to enhance recovery and perception of physical well-being. These interventions are critical because they can reduce fatigue, improve cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, health-related quality of life, and reduce morbidity and mortality among breast cancer survivors. Prior studies suggest that survivorship care plans should incorporate physical activity, as even moderate activity can be vital for improving health-related quality of life. However, it is unknown for those in the workforce if employment-related stressors affect compliance and/or self-perception of overall health. This is the first study to evaluate these factors among employed breast cancer survivors. Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional survey data (self-completed) from 156 employed breast cancer survivors in central Connecticut. Age-adjusted linear regressions were performed using Likert scale questions (5-point or 10-point). Independent variables included adherence to nutrition recommendations (e.g., half of each meal consisting of fruits and vegetables) and physical activity (e.g., strength training twice per week plus other activities to raise heart rate several days per week). The dependent variable was the perception of overall physical health. We conducted stratified analyses based on a dichotomized Likert variable representing the perceived level of control over one’s work schedule (Agree/Strongly Agree vs. Disagree/Strongly Disagree, with the central neutral value assigned to Agree). Future analyses are planned to examine overall mental health as the dependent variable using multivariate linear regression and a structural equation model with multiple predictors. Result: Among the full sample, age-adjusted linear regression revealed a strong positive correlation between adherence to nutrition recommendations and the perception of physical health (B=0.61, p<0.001). In stratified analyses, we observed that those who reported more control over their work schedule exhibited a slightly stronger relationship compared to those who reported less control (B=0.64, p<0.001; B=0.53, p=0.08, respectively). Similarly, the correlation between adherence to physical activity guidelines and perceived overall physical health was high in the full sample (B=0.61, p<0.001). A notable difference in this association was observed between those who perceived more control over their work schedule compared to those who did not (B=0.72, p<0.001; B=0.32, p=0.18, respectively). Conclusion: Reduced control over work schedules might significantly affect compliance with healthful behaviors and, concomitant perception of health, particularly for engagement in physical activity. This presents a crucial point of intervention for health care providers. Physicians should recognize and address the impact of work-related stressors on health behaviors to better support their patients in maintaining healthy lifestyles post-treatment. Tailoring survivorship care plans for healthful behaviors that account for work schedules can potentially improve both health outcomes and quality of life in this patient group. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and develop interventions to mitigate the negative effects of work-related stress on adherence to healthful behaviors. Citation Format: Jasmin Hundal, Zorie Jones, Narayani Ballambat, Alicia Dugan, Helen Swede. Influence of Work Schedule Flexibility on Nutrition and Physical Activity Among Employed Breast Cancer Survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2024; 2024 Dec 10-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2025;31(12 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-03-08.