Understanding Adolescent And Young Adult Cancer Survivors Needs, Preferences, Barriers, And Motivation To Physical Activity

The needs of cancer patients are multifaceted. Physical activity (PA) improves physiology and cognition including QoL, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and emotional well-being. Despite the positive effects of PA, adolescent and young adult cancer (AYA) survivors (15-39 yrs) do not meet the American College of Sports Medicine recommended PA guidelines of 150 min/wk of aerobic exercise and 2d/wk of strength training to elicit positive health outcomes. AYA survivors have unique physical and psychological experiences that may affect their PA preferences. Determining the motivation, barriers, and preferences of AYA survivors may elicit increased and eventual sustained PA participation. PURPOSE: To better understand the PA and exercise experiences of AYA survivors of cancer prior to diagnosis, during treatment, and post-treatment. METHODS: AYA survivors from a larger study participated in a qualitative analysis utilizing focus groups (n = 11). Discussed categories included past and present PA participation both pre-and post-cancer, PA preferences, PA barriers, facilitators, and motivation, and technology use. RESULTS: Participants’, (mean age 31.09+ 6.96 y) reported that cancer and cancer treatment effects decreased PA participation during treatment, and more than half (81%) reported side effects, specifically more easily fatigued, still exist. Participants agreed (100%) that performing PA, and specifically exercising after cancer treatment gave them a sense of control over their own physical and mental health, by decreasing risk of cancer recurrence, promoting their overall well-being, and decreasing stress, anxiety, and depression. Participants shared that having a trainer was a key component to beginning regular PA and exercise post-treatment because of the accountability and relationship formed with the trainer that were provided (72.7%). Because of bodily changes, participants felt more confident with a trainer specialized in cancer who could make exercise accommodations (63%). CONCLUSION: Cancer-related fear and anxiety were common among participants but were offset by a sense of control and accountability experienced during the larger study. A multi-disciplinary approach with wellness coaching and individualized PA guidance is suggested for future programming in this population.