Purpose There is emerging evidence that physical activity interventions have the potential to improve the physical function and psychosocial well-being of young adult cancer survivors. However, most existing interventions for young adult cancer survivors have been delivered in an in-patient hospital setting. The purpose of this study is to explore young adult cancer survivors’ (YACS) experiences of the RENEW programme, a 12-week community-based exercise referral scheme delivered by Trekstock, a UK-based cancer charity. Methods Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with YACS (mean age, 33 years; 87.5% female) who participated in the RENEW exercise referral programme. Each interview followed the same semi-structured interview guide which asked participants about their experiences of the RENEW programme and their ideas for the future development of the scheme. Data was audio-recorded, transcribed full verbatim and analysed using framework analysis. Results YACs predominantly chose to take part in the RENEW programme as a means to improve their health and overcome cancer related impairments (e.g. fatigue, loss of strength, low body confidence). The offer of one-to-one tailored support and unlimited gym access was often cited as a factor which motivated enrolment. Overall, YACS experience of the programme was positive with many describing improvements in physical function and general well-being. Barriers to participating in the programme included sign-off from clinicians prior to enrolment, travelling to the gym and fear of exercising alone. Conclusions Exercise referral schemes are acceptable to YACS and provide a promising opportunity for young people with cancer to improve their physical and psychosocial health through physical activity.

Purpose To evaluate the uptake and effect of RENEW, a 12-week exercise referral programme for young adult cancer survivors delivered by Trekstock, a UK-based cancer charity. Methods The RENEW programme provides one-to-one individually tailored support from a level-4 cancer-rehabilitationqualified gym instructor, free gym membership and access to information resources online. Objective and self-report data on cardiorespiratory function, strength, body composition, fatigue, sleep quality and general health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was collected from participants before the programme (week 0), immediately after (week 12) and 1 month later (week 16). Results Forty-eight young adults (83% female; mean age, 29 years) with a history of cancer took part within the 12-week programme and completed the evaluation measures. Physical activity (PA) levels significantly increased following the programme and remained raised at follow-up. Improvements in physical function were significant: peak expiratory flow (mean change, 30.96, p = 0.003), sit-and-reach test (mean change, 6.55 ± 4.54, p < 0.0001), and 6-mine-walk test (mean change, 0.12 ± 0.04, p < 0.0001). No significant changes in BMI, weight or muscle mass were observed. Improvements in fatigue, sleep and HRQoL were observed across the programme and at follow-up (mean change, weeks 0-16; 8.04 ± 1.49 p < 0.01; 1.05 ± 0.49 p < 0.05; and − 0.9 ± 0.46 p = 0.051, respectively). Changes in self-efficacy to exercise and motivations to exercise were not observed at 12 weeks or at follow-up. Conclusions Results suggest that the RENEW exercise referral programme has a positive impact upon some domains of physical function and well-being among young adult cancer survivors. Implication for cancer survivors Exercise referral programmes delivered by charity organisations are one means by which PA behaviour change support may be widely disseminated to young adult cancer survivors. Health professionals and charitable bodies specialising in the care of young adults with cancer should look to address factors which prevent engagement and uptake of 'real-world' PA interventions such as the RENEW programme.

To evaluate the impact of a series of one-day events delivered by Trekstock a cancer charity supporting young adults with cancer in the United Kingdom. Method: Data on physical activity, mood, perceived support, self-efficacy and confidence to be active were collected at three time points: before, after, and 2 weeks following the Meet & Move event. Results: Ninety-seven young adults with cancer (mean age: 29 years, 35% still receiving active treatment) attended a Trekstock Meet & Move event (n=5) and participated within the evaluation. Baseline data demonstrated that prior to attending a Meet & Move event 27.4% (n=23) of young adults reported felt their cancer excluded them from engaging in exercise, 44% (n=37) reported worry exercise will cause pain or injury and only 38.6% (n=32) knew what exercise they could do. Data collected post-event and at follow-up indicated that Meet & Move had a positive impact upon attendees' self-efficacy and confidence to be active with more than half reporting they felt inspired after attending. There was also a significant reduction in reported worry that exercise may cause pain or injury and reported perception of feeling left out of exercise because of cancer (p<0.005). Following engagement in the Meet & Move events, 45% of attendees had either signed up for an additional Trekstock physical activity program or initiated engagement in a new type of physical activity on their own. Conclusion: Trekstock Meet & Move events inspire and motivate young adults with cancer in their 20s and 30s to be active.

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