Exercise amounts, barriers, and preferences among patients with cancer

This study analyzed exercise amounts, preferences, and barriers among individuals without cancer (Group 1), individuals diagnosed with colorectal, breast, endometrial, or prostate cancer within the past 5 years (Group 2), and those diagnosed >5 years ago (Group 3) in China. We included individuals aged 18 to 75 from a Chinese university hospital in 2021. Groups 1, 2, and 3 comprised 162, 154, and 157 individuals, respectively. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using analysis of variance, Chi-square analysis, correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis. Patients with cancer and survivors reported lower amounts of total, moderate-intensity, and vigorous-intensity exercise than healthy individuals, whereas no difference existed in the amount of low-intensity exercise. The exercise barriers differed significantly among the 3 groups, except for psychological barriers. Exercise preferences also differed significantly among the 3 groups. Multiple regression analysis identified physical barriers, family-related barriers, and preferences for exercise venue, intensity, and type as significant predictors of total exercise amount. It is vital to address long-term exercise barriers faced by patients with cancer and survivors, especially those diagnosed within the last 5 years, who show more physical limitations, fewer resources, and lower motivation. Tailored strategies should consider survivors’ preferences to promote exercise participation.