Recall, perceptions and determinants of receiving physical activity advice amongst cancer survivors: a mixed-methods survey

Abstract

Purpose This study explored cancer survivors’ views and experiences of receiving physical activity advice post-diagnosis. We also determined the influence of sociodemographic characteristics on the recall of physical activity advice and whether receiving advice was associated with meeting physical activity guidelines. Methods An anonymised, mixed-methods, 27-item survey was distributed to cancer survivors via online cancer communities in the UK. Results Of the 242 respondents, 52% recalled receiving physical activity advice. Of those who recalled receiving advice, only 30% received guidance on type of physical activity and 14% were referred to another source of information or exercise specialist. Advice was most often given after treatment cessation, with only 19% of respondents receiving advice during active treatment. Most respondents (56%) expressed a need for further information. There was no evidence of associations between sociodemographic characteristics and recall of physical activity advice. However, cancer survivors who perceived the physical activity advice they received as being appropriate (odds ratio [OR] 3.8, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.4–10.7) and those with a higher level of education (OR 3.2, 95% CI: 1.8–5.8) were more likely to meet aerobic exercise guidelines. Females were less likely to meet resistance exercise guidelines than males (OR 0.44, 95% CI: 0.21–0.90). Conclusion There is scope to improve the provision of physical activity advice in cancer care by providing advice in a timely manner after diagnosis, referring patients to a suitable exercise or rehabilitation specialist when indicated, and using a tailored approach to ensure the advice is appropriate for specific sociodemographic groups.

Childhood Cancer Survivors’ Adherence to Healthcare Recommendations Made Through a Distance-Delivered Survivorship Program

“… 86 Other factors highlighted in the literature that influence adherence to surveillance, healthcare and health-behaviour recommendations include younger age at diagnosis, higher education level, 87 clear patient-provider discussion on risks and needs, 76 , 81 , 88 a greater awareness of the benefits and barriers to care, 89 and perceived appropriateness of the information relative to the survivors’ treatment stage and general state of health. 90 This complex array of socio-demographic and clinical factors influencing survivors’ adherence to recommendations underscores the importance of providing tailored survivorship care for each survivor and the indispensable role of communication between the clinic, survivor and their PCP. Further research is necessary to understand whether greater adherence is more achievable in the long-term and to evaluate longitudinal predictors of adherence during the survivorship period.…”

Is home-based, virtually delivered, group exercise feasible and acceptable for older patients with hepatocellular carcinoma? A non-randomised feasibility study (TELEX-Liver Cancer)

“…[16][17][18][19] Cancer survivors also report wanting more guidance on the type, frequency, intensity and duration of exercise they can safely undertake. 20 'Telehealth exercise' allows patients to exercise at home under the 'virtual' supervision of an exercise instructor. The instructor guides patients through the exercises in real time, mimicking the delivery of traditional facilitybased training without the need for travel or access to facilities.…”

“Fear of raising the problem without a solution”: a qualitative study of patients’ and healthcare professionals’ views regarding the integration of routine support for physical activity within breast cancer care

“…Furthermore, 31% of patients in the UK reported being inactive during and after treatment (i.e. completed less than 30 min of moderate-intensity activity a week) [ 12 ] and 43% of patients reported becoming less active following their diagnosis [ 13 ]. Previous qualitative research with cancer clinicians reported several barriers to the implementation of physical activity advice in routine care, which included a lack of training and knowledge on how to do so [ 14 ], time, concerns regarding patient safety [ 15 , 16 ] and lack of accessible patient referral pathways to exercise/physical activity specialists [ 17 , 18 ].…”