Physical Activity is Differently Associated with Quality of Life and Fatigue Across the Phases of Cancer Survivorship

This study explored associations between reported levels of physical activity, cancer-associated fatigue, and quality of life across cancer survivorship phases. Using a cross-sectional design, 149 cancer patients (100 females, 49 males; mean age 56.2±12.7 yr) with various cancer types were assessed for physical activity levels. Participants were categorized based on whether they met the World Health Organization's recommendation of 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Quality of life and fatigue were measured using the QLQ C-30 and QLQ-FA12 questionnaires, respectively. Subanalyses were conducted across pretreatment, active treatment, and posttreatment phases. Meeting the World Health Organization's physical activity recommendation was associated with enhanced quality of life in 10 of 15 domains and lower fatigue scores in 3 of 5 domains. Cancer survivors who met physical activity recommendations had a better quality of life during active and posttreatment phases, but not pretreatment. Moreover, physical activity's effects reduced cancer-related fatigue during active oncology treatment but not during pre- or posttreatment. In conclusion, physical activity positively impacts quality of life and cancer-associated fatigue differently across phases of cancer survivorship. Health professionals should encourage cancer patients-especially those undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy-to achieve 150 minutes of physical activity per week, which can be associated with a higher quality of life and reduced cancer-related fatigue.