Exercise level, interest and preferences in cancer patients

Abstract

Background: After a cancer diagnosis, exercise (EX) has shown to reduce risk of recurrence/mortality, help in managing cancer treatment side effects and maintain functional abilities. Nevertheless, most of cancer patients are insufficiently active. The purpose of this research is to investigate the EX level, interest and preference in oncological patients. Method(s): A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect demographic, health and EX information. EX level was assessed by leisure score index (LSI), using the validated Godin's Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire, while the EX preferences questions were drawn from previous studies. Patients from Medical Oncology Unit of Verona Hospital were asked to anonymously complete the questionnaire. Descriptive statistic was used to calculate frequencies and percentages of responses to survey questions. Result(s): With a 57% of response rate, a total of 405 survey were completed and analyzed. Breast (26%) and upper gastrointestinal (42%) were the most frequent diagnosis. Only 10% of patients resulted to be sufficiently active (LSI>=24). A large majority (80%) indicated that they are willing to participate in an EX program designed for cancer patients. Patients reported that they prefer receive EX information by an oncologist (57%) followed by physiotherapist (29%), with a face to face approach (71%). The preferred composition of EX group was with "other cancer patients" (27%). The patients chose outdoors (27%) and a fitness center for adapted physical activity (21%) as favorite places to perform EX. Training in group was preferred (39%), followed by an individual program to perform at home (27%) and an individual program with a personal trainer (25%). The majority preferred a supervised Ex program (57%). The favorite EX frequencies were two times/week (37%) and three times/week (30%), whereas "mild" intensity was chosen by 44% of patients followed by "moderate" (36%). Conclusion(s): Despite the demonstrated benefits of EX in oncological patients, we found 90% of them insufficiently active, but 80% willing to start an EX program. According to these data, we designed a prospective clinical trial including dedicated EX programs based on patient's preferences, currently recruiting. Legal entity responsible for the study: University of Verona. Funding(s): Has not received any funding. Disclosure: E. Bria: Honoraria (self): MSD, AstraZeneca, Celgene, Pfizer, Helsinn, Eli-Lilly, BMS, Novartis, and Roche; Research grant / Funding (self): AIRC. S. Pilotto: Honoraria (self): AstraZeneca, BMS, Roche, MSD, Boeringher Ingelheim; Research grant / Funding (self): AIRC; Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: BMS, Roche, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.Copyright © 2019 European Society for Medical Oncology