Young adult cancer survivors’ experience of taking part in a 12-week exercise referral programme: a qualitative study of the Trekstock RENEW initiative

Abstract

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.

Factors influencing physical activity participation among people living with or beyond cancer: a systematic scoping review

“…The presence of accessible, tailored amenities was cited as a significant facilitator to PA participation in different quantitative and qualitative studies. Mixed cancer patients reported that the availability of facilities with tailored and individualized PA programs would enable them to be physically active [83,84,122].…”

Community-Based Exercise Programs for Cancer Survivors: A Scoping Review of Program Characteristics Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research

“…Others (21%) primarily focused on describing program development and implementation 24,32,33,38,40,47,50,52,57,63,72,80 . Thirteen publications (22%) reported participants' experiences in community-based exercise programs using a qualitative 27,30,31,49,51,55,62,64,69,81 or cross-sectional survey design 29,34,75 ; two (3%) were study protocol papers 39,79 and two (3%) described hybrid implementation-effectiveness trials 26,28 .…”

“…Two programs (6%) did not report specific details about settings 37,67 , and two programs were delivered entirely remotely (i.e., by phone or web) 24,62,63 . The majority of programs were delivered in a group-based format for at least part of the program (76%), seven programs explicitly stated home exercise components 24,26,40,[57][58][59][60][61][62][63]77 and one program was exclusively one-on-one 27,73 .…”

“…Organizations received funding from membership and for-service fees 28, 46, 53 and foundation grants 27,47,73 .…”

“…Programs were most commonly based in the USA (42%) 24-26, 37, 38, 43-48, 50, 52, 65, 67, 69-71, 74, 78, 80 followed by Canada (32%) 30, 31, 35, 36, 40, 53, 54, 57-63, 68, 76, 81 , Europe (12%) 27,28,32,34,55,56,73,79 , Australia (9%) 39,64,77 and New Zealand 51 . Nearly half of the programs (47%) reported some degree of collaboration or relationship with health care providers, hospital, or oncology service to support the development and/or delivery of the community-based program 24-26, 28, 32, 35, 36, 38-41, 52, 62-64, 67, 68, 71, 78-80, 82, 83 .…”