Poor physical function, relationship problems and alcohol use are predictors of increased overall mortality in Swedish cancer patients: 27-years follow-up study in Stockholm County

•Poor physical function is a predictor of increased mortality among individuals with diagnosis of cancer.•In men alcohol use and relationship problem were associated with increased risk of dying in cancer per se.•For cardiovascular death, there was an increased mortality in men with bad physical health and in women with decreased physical function.•Psychological complaints in both sexes were related to increased risk of death due to other medical conditions.