Adherence to Physical Activity Guidelines in Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Physical activity in breast cancer survivors has been shown to improve outcomes. This study evaluated breast cancer patients’ adherence to physical activity guidelines in a population-based study. Data from the 2007 National Health Interview Survey were used to compare adherence to physical activity guidelines in patients with breast cancer with the general population. Statistical analyses were performed using SUDAAN software. In 2007, 327 breast cancer survivors and 23,030 others from the general population were surveyed. Breast cancer survivors were significantly older than the general population (mean age 64.9 vs 45.6 years, P < 0.001) and tended to be female (99.4 vs 51.2%, P < 0.001). Despite being significantly more likely to have interacted with a healthcare professional within the past year (96.7 vs 82.1%, P < 0.001), fewer breast cancer survivors reported following physical activity guidelines than nonbreast cancer survivors (4.64 vs 12.0%, P < 0.001). Controlling for age, gender, and interaction with healthcare providers, breast cancer survivors were no more likely to follow physical activity guidelines than the general population (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.41-1.30, P = 0.282). Despite more interaction with healthcare providers, breast cancer survivors are no more likely to adhere to activity guidelines than the general population.

The Effect of Yoga Interventions on Cancer-Related Fatigue and Quality of Life for Women with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

“… 14 , 15 However, a majority of women with BC do not meet the recommended levels of MVPA for various reasons; physical, psychosocial, environmental and organizational factors. 16 - 18 Many people with cancer, including BC, experiencing CRF have reported fatigue as a barrier 19 , 20 to exercise participation, as well as preferences for mild intensity physical activity including yoga. 20 Furthermore, physical activity guidelines for people with cancer recommend that the volume and intensity of exercise may need to be reduced for those experiencing severe CRF (based on specific cutpoints on individual fatigue measures).…”

Cost-effectiveness of a pragmatic exercise intervention for women with breast cancer: results from a randomized controlled trial

“…Thus, the potential impact to individuals through the integration of exercise within standard breast cancer therapy is significant. Unfortunately, most women with breast cancer are insufficiently active (based on national, physical activity guidelines), and exercise is not routinely prescribed as part of their care.…”

Determinants of Physical Activity Maintenance in Breast Cancer Survivors After a Community-Based Intervention

“…BCSs may find it challenging to be physically active after cancer treatments and even more difficult to maintain the recommended level of 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week (Bourke et al, 2014). Based on a population-based survey, about 16% of BCSs participate in a sufficient amount of PA (Smith & Chagpar, 2010). PA interventions are effective in improving PA level and managing cancer treatment side effects in BCSs after cancer treatment (Bluethmann, Vernon, Gabriel, Murphy, & Bartholomew, 2015;Kim et al, 2013).…”