Long-term physical activity behaviour after cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative study to explore the barriers and facilitators to sustained physical activity in cancer survivors
IRAS ID
254631
Contact name
Chloe Grimmett
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Physical inactivity costs the NHS in excess of £1billion a year and studies suggest cancer survivors are less active than those without a history of the disease, making them an important population for targeted interventions to increase activity levels. There is good evidence that physical activity can improve many of the distressing problems often experienced after cancer, such as fatigue, depressed mood, declining mobility and loss of function. Furthermore, in some cancer types studies suggest physical activity may reduce the risk of a cancer returning and death from cancer.
Cancer survivors (and the health care system) have much to gain from being physically active. A recent report from the Independent Cancer Taskforce (who developed a strategy for improving the lives of people diagnosed with cancer),
recommended all cancer patients be given advice to improve lifestyle behaviours,
including physical activity. Intervention studies to support cancer survivors to increase their activity have been successful in the short-term (e.g. 3 months). However, these improvements tend to diminish over time and we know little about how to encourage long-term behaviour change. Without sustained, long-term physical activity the benefits described above will not to be maintained.This interview study will explore the determinants and strategies for sustaining
physical activity in cancer survivors (N~30). Survivors who have previously
taken part in an intervention study to increase physical activity will be identified. They and their partner/carer will be invited to participate in an interview.The facilitators to maintenance of habitual physical activity will be explored among
those who participate in regular physical activity. The barriers described by those who have tried, but failed to increase their activity levels in the long-term will also be explored.REC name
East Midlands - Derby Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/EM/0360
Date of REC Opinion
7 Dec 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion