Physician role in physical activity for African-American males undergoing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer

Abstract

PurposePhysical activity is recognized as a complementary therapy to improve physical and physiological functions among prostate cancer survivors. Little is known about communication between health providers and African-American prostate cancer patients, a high risk population, regarding the health benefits of regular physical activity on their prognosis and recovery. This study explores African-American prostate cancer survivors’ experiences with physical activity prescription from their physicians.MethodsThree focus group interviews were conducted with 12 African-American prostate cancer survivors in May 2014 in St. Louis, MO. Participants’ ages ranged from 49 to 79 years, had completed radical prostatectomy, and their time out of surgery varied from 7 to 31 months.ResultsEmerged themes included physician role on prescribing physical activity, patients’ perceived barriers to engaging in physical activity, perception of normalcy following surgery, and specific resources survivors’ sought during treatment. Of the 12 men who participated, 8 men (67%) expressed that their physicians did not recommend physical activity for them. Although some participants revealed they were aware of the importance of sustained physical activity on their prognosis and recovery, some expressed concerns that urinary dysfunction, incontinence, and family commitments prevented them from engaging in active lifestyles.ConclusionsTransitioning from post radical prostatectomy treatment to normal life was an important concern to survivors. These findings highlight the importance of physical activity communication and prescription for prostate cancer patients.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00520-016-3505-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Barriers and facilitators to physical activity in men with prostate cancer: A qualitative and quantitative systematic review

“…There is a need to consider each individual's treatment plan when trying to engage that individual with PA . The treatment‐related barriers consistently reported by men with prostate cancer in the reviewed studies were incontinence caused by radiotherapy or radical prostatectomy, and treatment‐related fatigue, primarily relating to treatment with chemotherapy or hormone therapy, and occasionally also associated with receipt of radiotherapy or radical prostatectomy …”

“…Many of the included qualitative studies were of good quality, fulfilling most JBI appraisal criteria, bar that which is commonly not reported (eg, statements locating the researchers culturally/theoretically) (see Appendix S1). Methodological issues amongst the other studies and issues relating to congruity of research question, methods, and interpretation were not representing participants voices adequately, Some appraisal criteria were unfulfilled by default because of an apparent lack of detail in reporting, a common occurrence being reports not addressing the influence of the researcher on the research (and vice versa) . The consistent application of COREQ criteria for qualitative reporting may benefit this area of study.…”

“…There is a need to consider each individual's treatment plan when trying to engage that individual with PA. 19,51,[53][54][55]57,58,[60][61][62] The treatment-related barriers consistently reported by men with prostate cancer in the reviewed studies were incontinence caused by radiotherapy or radical prostatectomy, 51,53,54,57,58,60,61 and treatmentrelated fatigue, primarily relating to treatment with chemotherapy or hormone therapy, and occasionally also associated with receipt of radiotherapy or radical prostatectomy. 19,51,54,55,58 5.2 | Self-determination and its relationship with prostate cancer-related events This theme did not so much pertain to a direct facilitator or barrier but describes an experiential process that was deemed a relevant concept that was well grounded in the primary data.…”

Supportive care needs of men with prostate cancer: A systematic review update

“…Men also discussed a need to seek their own information independently in order to inform decision‐making. The Internet was frequently reported as a source of valuable knowledge (Chauhan et al, 2018; Fitch et al, 2017; Hogden et al, 2019; Kassianos et al, 2015; Le et al, 2016; O'Callaghan et al, 2014; Walker et al, 2016; Williams et al, 2016) and several studies highlighted potential motivations for the use of Internet resources: Some men reported searching the Internet for information because of a perceived need to actively seek information in the process of making an informed decision, whereas others felt that information provided by their HCPs was incomplete or needed confirmation. Experiences with the use of these resources were varied.…”

The Role of Physical Activity in Cancer Recovery: An Exercise Practitioner’s Perspective

“…In the UK, a wide range of HCP’s support cancer patients throughout their recovery, including GPs, oncologists, surgeons, nurses and health-care assistants. It is vital that HCPs possess a standardised knowledge of PA and how it can benefit cancer patients, as some HCPs do not prescribe PA for cancer recovery [ 24 ], which may be due to a lack of knowledge regarding the benefits of PA [ 25 ]. Additionally, programmes such as Cancer and Rehabilitation Exercise (CARE) have had variability and inconsistencies in how people have discovered their service, with some HCPs routinely promoting the service, some through patients conducting their own research and others word of mouth; this highlights the requirement for more effective and routine promotion to the CARE programme [ 23 ].…”