Key result
Perceived appropriate exercise advice is linked to ~280% higher odds of cancer survivors meeting aerobic guidelines.
Why the study?
To explore cancer survivors' views and experiences of receiving physical activity advice post-diagnosis, the influence of sociodemographic factors on recall, and associations with meeting physical activity guidelines.
Does sociodemographic status or recall of physical activity advice influence meeting physical activity guidelines in cancer survivors?
Cross-Sectional (n=242)
Does sociodemographic status or recall of physical activity advice influence meeting physical activity guidelines in cancer survivors?
Effect estimate: OR 3.8 (95% CI 1.4-10.7)
Absolute Event Rate: 71% vs 52%
Only half of cancer survivors recall receiving physical activity advice, and those who perceive the advice as appropriate or have higher education are more likely to meet aerobic exercise guidelines.
Perceived appropriate advice was associated with meeting guidelines; leaves open whether counseling interventions improve adherence in survivors.
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.
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Orange et al. (2021) conducted a cross-sectional in Cancer (n=242). Appropriate physical activity advice vs. No advice, not sure, or advice not appropriate was evaluated on Meeting aerobic exercise guidelines (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.4-10.7). Cancer survivors who perceived the physical activity advice they received as being appropriate were more likely to meet aerobic exercise guidelines (OR 3.8).
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