University of Sussex
Browse
Manuscript for JSCC_CU FITTER survey_REVISED_05MARCH2018 for SRO.pdf (378.76 kB)

Cancer survivors’ experiences of a community-based cancer-specific exercise programme: results of an exploratory survey

Download (378.76 kB)
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 12:40 authored by Susan Catt, J Sheward, E Sheward, Helena HarderHelena Harder
Purpose Exercise levels often decline following cancer diagnosis despite growing evidence of its benefits. Treatment side-effects, older age, lack of confidence and opportunity to exercise with others in similar circumstances influence this. Our study explored the experiences of people attending a cancer-specific community-based exercise programme (CU Fitter™). Methods A survey distributed to those attending the programme gathered demographic/clinical information, self-reported exercise levels, information provision and barriers to/benefits of exercise. Results Sixty surveys were evaluable from 65/100 returned (62% female, 68% >60yrs, 66% breast/prostate cancer). Most (68%) were receiving treatment. 68% attended classes once or twice weekly. 55% received exercise advice after diagnosis, usually from their hospital doctor/nurse. More (73%) had read about exercising, but less used the internet to source information (32%). Self-reported exercise levels were higher currently than before diagnosis (p=0.05). 48% said their primary barrier to exercising was the physical impact of cancer/treatment. Improving fitness/health (40%) and social support (16%) were the most important gains from the programme. Many (67%) had made other lifestyle changes and intented to keep (50%), or increase (30%) exercising. Conclusions This community-based cancer-specific exercise approach engaged people with cancer and showed physical, psychological, and social benefits. Implications for cancer survivors Community grown exercise initiatives bring cancer survivors together creating their own supportive environment. Combining this with instructors familiar with the population and providing an open-ended service may prove particularly motivating and beneficial. Further work is required to provide evidence for this.

Funding

Practical and educational interventions to reduce stress in women with breast cancer; G1965; BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION; BCRF-16-050

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

Supportive Care in Cancer

ISSN

0941-4355

Publisher

Springer Verlag

Issue

9

Volume

26

Page range

3209-3216

Department affiliated with

  • BSMS Publications

Research groups affiliated with

  • Sussex Health Outcomes Research and Education in Cancer Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2018-04-10

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2019-04-05

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2018-04-10

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Licence

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC