"I have to get up and exercise because that's how I'm going to get over this": a qualitative exploration of exercise identity and behavior in early cancer survivorship.

PURPOSE: Exercise is beneficial for people living with and beyond cancer (LWBC); however, many people LWBC fail to meet the exercise guidelines. Having an identity related to exercise, a component of one's self-concept, correlates with exercising more frequently in general adult populations. Understanding how exercise identity influences exercise behaviors in people LWBC is warranted due to the many barriers people LWBC face in relation to physical activity. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceived impact of an exercise identity of the exercise behaviors and motivations among people LWBC. METHODS: Thirteen participants of mixed diagnoses (Mage = 60.8 ± 10.8 years) in the early survivorship period (i.e., within five years of primary treatment completion or diagnosis) participated in semi-structured interviews to identify influences of exercise identity on exercise behavior. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Findings demonstrated that people LWBC with a strong exercise identity engage in high and varied exercise behaviors. Despite barriers such as changes in motivations and ability to engage in exercise, participants maintained exercise throughout cancer by constant adaptation of their outlook and behaviors related to exercise. These results demonstrate a maintenance of physical activity in relation to a strong exercise identity. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Results of this study have implications for the design and implementation of exercise behavior change programs for people LWBC as it provides insights into predictors of sustained exercise behavior during and following cancer treatment.

Sedentary time transitions and associations with quality of life in cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Patterns in sedentary time (SED) and its impact on quality of life (QoL) in cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to 1) compare total and domain-specific SED before and during the pandemic; and 2) examine its association with QoL in a global sample of cancer survivors. METHODS: In an online survey, cancer survivors retrospectively self-reported domain-specific SED (e.g. transportation, television) before and during the pandemic via the Domain-Specific Sitting Time Questionnaire. QoL was assessed via the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT)-General and FACT-Fatigue. Paired t-tests compared daily SED before and during the pandemic. Analysis of covariance compared QoL among: those who remained high (>8 h/day), remained low (<8 h/day), increased (<8 h/day to >8 h/day), or decreased (>8 h/day to <8 h/day) daily SED. RESULTS: Among cancer survivors (N = 477, Mage=48.5 ± 15.4), 60.8% reported that their SED remained high, 19.7% remained low, 7.5% increased SED, and 11.9% decreased SED. Computer and television screen time significantly increased (p's<.001), while SED during transportation significantly decreased (p<.001). Sub-group analyses revealed that those who reduced SED who were normal or underweight (p=.042) or were meeting physical activity guidelines (p=.031) had significantly less fatigue than those who increased or remained high in SED, respectively. Those who remained high in SED with <3 comorbidities (p's =.005) had significantly better social well-being than those who increased SED. CONCLUSIONS: As we transition to a post-pandemic era, behavioral strategies for cancer survivors should focus on reducing screen time to improve QoL and fatigue.

Preferences and engagement with physical activity resources among cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed additional barriers to physical activity (PA) in cancer survivors. Adaptations to PA programmes are needed during the pandemic. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate (1) the PA preferences of cancer survivors prior to and during the pandemic and (2) the available resources to engage in PA during the pandemic. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional study design, cancer survivors were recruited globally to participate in a self-administered survey assessing their PA preferences and available PA resources during the pandemic. Descriptive statistics were used to determine trends in PA preferences and resources. A sub-group analysis was conducted for age, gender, education, and PA levels. RESULTS: Cancer survivors (N = 493) were mainly women (70.4%) diagnosed with breast cancer (29.0%), with a mean age of 48.7 ± 15.8 years, and 87.1 ± 81.9 months since diagnosis. Since the start of the pandemic, cancer survivors were primarily walking (82.6%), and performing PA alone (62.7%) and at home (46.6%). Sub-group analysis revealed education level, PA levels, and age to be associated with significant differences in PA preferences. The most common equipment available to survivors in their homes were exercise mats (40.6%) and free weights (39.8%). Few survivors were made aware of at-home PA resources (19.1%), and approximately half indicated wanting to receive these resources (49.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Understanding cancer survivors' preferences and resources for PA during the pandemic is critical to designing effective home-based interventions. Interventions and recommendations should be tailored based on the level of education and PA participation, as well as age.

Matched and moving: exploring daily social support among women partnered for exercise after a breast cancer diagnosis.

PURPOSE: Exercise and social support are non-pharmacological strategies that improve health and wellbeing in women treated for breast cancer (WTBC). However, strategies to facilitate support and exercise in WTBC are typically resource intensive. The purpose of this study was to examine whether various forms of social support received from a matched peer were associated with increased exercise among WTBC. METHODS: A daily diary study was conducted to examine naturally occurring social support as it relates to daily exercise behavior. Forty-six WTBC were matched (23 pairs) and completed pre-screening survey assessing eligibility and baseline levels of exercise. Participants were given Fitbit devices to track physical activity behavior and completed daily surveys across 3 weeks assessing perceptions of exercise-related social support at fixed times at the end of each day. RESULTS: Mixed models accounting for day of study, baseline support, and baseline exercise levels revealed that higher levels of daily exercise-related tangible social support were associated with more daily steps (b = 506, SE = 143) and more light physical activity (LPA) minutes (b = 7.01, SE = 3.15). Informational social support was associated with higher moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) minutes (b = 3.18, SE = 1.60). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, peer matching programs aimed at increasing exercise-related social support among WTBC might encourage exercise behaviors, especially among women who share exercise-specific information (e.g., benefits, type, activities).

A distance-based, randomized controlled trial for reducing sedentary behavior among prostate cancer survivors: a study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer survivors (PCS) experience long-term side effects beyond treatment such as fatigue, depression and anxiety. Quality and engaging supportive care programs are needed to reduce these chronic and debilitating effects. Independent of physical activity (PA), high volumes of sedentary behavior (SB) are associated with chronic disease-related risk factors and poorer cancer-specific quality of life (QoL). Simultaneously increasing PA and decreasing SB may be an effective health promotion strategy. Given that PCS may face several barriers to engaging in supervised programs, there is a need to develop and assess the efficacy of interventions that employ distance-based approaches for behavior change. The primary aim of this study is to determine the effects of a 12-week intervention (Fitbit + behavioral counselling) vs. Fitbit-only control group in reducing SB among PCS. Secondary outcomes include light-intensity PA, QoL, motivational outcomes, and patient satisfaction. METHODS: This two-armed, randomized controlled trial will recruit inactive PCS (stage I-IV) across Canada who self-report engaging in >8 hours/day of SB. Participants will be randomized to the intervention (n=60; Fitbit and behavioral support) or active control group (n=60; Fitbit-only). The intervention consists of the use of a Fitbit and a series of six behavioral support sessions (two group, four individual) to aid PCS in gradually replacing SB with light-intensity PA by increasing their daily step counts to 3,000 steps above their baseline values. The Fitbit-only control condition will receive a Fitbit and public health PA resources. The primary outcome is change in SB measured objectively using activPAL inclinometers. All secondary outcomes will be measured via self-report, except for PA which will be measuring using Fitbits. Data will be collected at baseline, post-intervention, and at 6-month post-intervention. DISCUSSION: Reducing SB and increasing light-intensity PA plays an important, yet often undervalued role in the health and well-being of PCS. This study will create a unique distance-based platform that can be used by clinical and community-based organizations as a low-cost, supportive care tool to improve health outcomes for PCS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT05214937 . Registered January 28, 2022 Protocol version: v.1.

Associations of light physical activity, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary behavior with quality of life in men on androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer: a quantile regression analysis.

To examine associations of physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (SED) with quality of life (QoL) in men on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer. A pooled analysis of 106 men on ADT was conducted. PA and SED were assessed using accelerometers. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) was used to assess self-reported QoL. Quantile regression examined the associations of QoL with PA and SED. Total time spent in SED was positively associated with FACT-General at the 50th (p = 0.010) and 75th percentile (p = 0.022). SED in ≥ 30-min bouts was inversely associated with FACT-General at the 50th  (p = 0.025) and 75th percentile (p = 0.029). Breaks in SED were positively associated with physical well-being at the 75th percentile (p = 0.004). Light-intensity PA was positively associated with FACT-Prostate at the 25th percentile (p = 0.020). SED and PA were associated with QoL outcomes, but time in each varied across men reporting the poorest QoL compared to those in the highest QoL distributions.

"Your Body Is Not At All Where You Left It": Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors' Experiences Transitioning Back Into Physical Activity After Treatment.

Physical activity (PA) can help manage cancer treatment-related side effects and improve well-being following treatment; however, resuming PA after a period of inactivity due to cancer can be challenging. The purpose of this study was to explore adolescents and young adults (AYAs) experiences transitioning back into PA after a period of inactivity due to cancer treatment. Twelve previously active AYAs (Mage = 30 ± 5.8 years) were purposefully sampled and engaged in a semi-structured interview. The following four themes were generated through a reflexive thematic analysis: PA is described as important and valuable; navigating one's appearance and fitness changes after cancer treatment within the PA context; supportive care is essential to successful PA transitions; and juxtaposed environments: fitness facilities, cities, and green spaces. Developing strategies aimed at gradually transitioning into PA should be a priority to improve AYAs' well-being through survivorship.

Acute effects of aerobic exercise and relaxation training on fatigue in breast cancer survivors: A feasibility trial.

OBJECTIVE: This three-armed randomized controlled feasibility trial tested the acceptability and acute effects of aerobic exercise and technology-guided mindfulness training (relative to standalone interventions) on cancer-related fatigue among breast cancer survivors (BCS). METHODS: BCS recruited from Central Illinois completed pre- and post-testing using established measures and were randomized to one of three groups (combined aerobic exercise with guided-mindfulness relaxation, aerobic exercise only, and relaxation only), conducted in three 90 min sessions over the course of 7 days in a fitness room and research office on a university campus. RESULTS: We enrolled 40 BCS (Mage = 57.33 ± 8.75), MBMI = 27.38 ± 5.27, Mfatigue = 4.56 ± 1.81 as measured by the Piper Fatigue Scale. More favorable post-intervention evaluations were reported by the combined group, compared to aerobic exercise or relaxation only (p < 0.05). Reductions in fatigue favoring the combined group (p = 0.05) showed a modest effect size (Cohen's d = 0.91) compared to aerobic exercise only. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide preliminary evidence for the feasibility of combining evidence-based techniques to address fatigue among BCS. The combined approach, incorporating mobile health technology, presents an efficacious and well-received design. If replicated in longer trials, the approach could provide a promising opportunity to deliver broad-reaching interventions for improved outcomes in BCS. Preregistered-ClinicalTrials NCT03702712.

Body image among adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: Cancer and treatment can produce temporary or permanent body changes, which may affect the body image (BI) of adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer (AYAs). This evidence has not been comprehensively summarized. A scoping review was conducted to explore the available evidence on BI among AYAs and identify the definitions, theories, models, frameworks, measures, and methods used to assess BI. METHODS: Databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO (via Ovid) and CINAHL and Gender Studies (via EBSCO) were searched to identify published studies from 1 January 2000 to 25 November 2019. Inclusion criteria were: qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methodology; at least one BI-related measure or theme; published in English; and majority of the sample between 13 and 39 years at diagnosis and a mean age at diagnosis between 13 and 39 years. Two authors screened the titles, abstracts, and full-text articles and data were extracted and summarized. RESULTS: The search yielded 11,347 articles and 82 met inclusion criteria. Articles included 45 quantitative, 33 qualitative, and four mixed-methods studies. The majority of studies used cross-sectional designs, while BI definitions, theories, models, frameworks, and measures were varied. Studies explored descriptive, psychological, physical, coping, and social factors, with BI being described most often as an outcome rather than a predictor. CONCLUSIONS: Theory-based research that employs a holistic BI definition and uses longitudinal or intervention study designs or a qualitative methodology is needed to better understand the BI experience of AYAs and inform the development of strategies and programs to reduce BI concerns and increase positive body experiences.

Preferences for exercise and physical activity support in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: a cross-sectional survey.

PURPOSE: Exercise and physical activity (hereafter, collectively referred to as PA) preferences and benefits are becoming increasingly well characterised in cancer survivors, yet evidence from adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYAs) is scant. We describe the overall PA behaviour and support preferences of AYAs and explore subgroup differences to inform AYA-specific research and support. METHODS: AYAs diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 18-39 years, irrespective of current age, were approached in clinic at a large cancer centre for this cross-sectional survey that assessed self-reported demographics, medical history, PA behaviour and PA support preferences. RESULTS: A total of 318 AYAs completed the survey. Approximately 40% of AYAs were not meeting PA guidelines, and only 5% reported engagement with cancer PA support services. Most AYAs wanted PA support (78%), to increase PA levels (70%), and were interested in engaging in PA interventions that were individually supervised (82%), home-based (79%), performed ≥ 3 days/week (75%) and for ≥ 30 minutes/session (78%), offered following treatment (63%), restricted by age (63%), and involved strength (83%), walking (78%), and flexibility (75%) exercise. PA preferences most often differed according to sex, treatment status, current PA behaviour and PA support setting. CONCLUSION: AYAs have a great capacity and interest in specific types of PA support. Poor engagement with existing PA support services highlights the need for further AYA-specific research. Better understanding of AYAs' unique PA behaviour and support preferences can inform the development of urgently needed research and support services for this understudied and rapidly growing population.

A comparison of total and domain-specific sedentary time in breast cancer survivors and age-matched healthy controls.

Breast cancer survivors (BCS) engage in more sedentary behavior (SED) than those without cancer. However, the context in which SED is accrued is unknown. The purpose of this study is to examine differences in total and domain-specific SED of BCS and healthy controls. 20 BCS and 20 age-matched, healthy controls wore ActiGraph GT3X + accelerometers to measure SED and activity. Participants self-reported SED for transportation, occupational, screen time and leisure purposes. Multiple linear regressions were used to estimate differences in SED between BCS and controls. BCS spent significantly more time watching TV (152.4 vs. 60.3; p < 0.01) and less time in total SED (490.8 vs. 587.4; p = 0.046) and other leisure activities (57.6 vs. 106.9; p < 0.01) than healthy controls. BCS engage in more TV watching and less time in other leisure activities than controls, thus interventions should focus on reducing TV time. Understanding facilitators of TV viewing is needed to determine specific intervention targets.

A pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial adding behavioral counseling to supervised physical activity in prostate cancer survivors: behavior change in prostate cancer survivors trial (BOOST).

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of delivering a supervised physical activity program plus standard exercise counseling (PA + EC) versus a supervised physical activity plus motivationally-enhanced behavioral counseling (PA + BC) in prostate cancer survivors. Secondary outcomes included objectively assessed PA, quality of life, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, cognitive functioning, and physical function. Twenty-six prostate cancer survivors were randomized to a 12-week supervised PA program plus standard exercise counseling or a 12-week supervised PA plus behavioral counseling based on the Multi-Process Action Control framework. Feasibility was determined through enrolment rate, measurement completion rate, loss-to-follow-up, adherence to the intervention, adverse events, and program evaluation items assessing burden and satisfaction. Of the 26 prostate cancer survivors enrolled (Mage = 65.6 ± 6.8), 96% completed the intervention. Measurement completion rates for the study measures were 88.5%. Adherence to the supervised PA sessions was 92% (completed 11/12 supervised PA sessions) and 100% (completed 12/12 supervised PA sessions) in the PA + EC and PA + BC group, respectively. Adherence to the home-based PA sessions was 70% (completed 7/10 home-based sessions) and 90% (completed 9/10 home-based sessions) in the PA + EC and PA + BC group, respectively. Overall, prostate cancer survivors were highly satisfied with the intervention components and found it rewarding, useful for research helping others, and useful for them personally. The patterns in the secondary outcomes were consistent with a positive impact of the intervention, favoring the PA + BC group. Preliminary evidence suggests that adding behavioral counseling to supervised PA in prostate cancer survivors may be feasible and result in better adherence to PA compared to exercise counseling alone, although additional refinement is needed. A combination of supervised and home-based PA may be feasible for behavior change in the self-management of prostate cancer. The study is registered with http://ClinicalTrials.gov (ID NCT03191968).

Replacing sedentary time with physical activity and sleep: associations with quality of life in kidney cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: Kidney cancer survivors spend large quantities of time sedentary and little time physically active, which negatively impacts quality of life (QoL). This study examined (1) the association of reallocating sedentary time to sleep, light physical activity (PA), or moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) on QoL in kidney cancer survivors and (2) the threshold at which results are clinically meaningful. METHODS: Kidney cancer survivors (N = 463) completed a survey including the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire, sitting time, sleep duration, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) scales. Isotemporal substitution analyses estimated associations of reallocating sedentary time to PA and sleep on QoL. RESULTS: Reallocating 10 min/day of sedentary time to MVPA was significantly associated with higher scores on the Trial Outcome Index-Fatigue (B = 0.60, SE = 0.25, p = 0.02), FACT-Fatigue (B = 0.71, SE = 0.32, p = 0.03), functional well-being (B = 0.18, SE = 0.08, p = 0.02), and fatigue subscales (B = 0.35, SE = 0.15, p = 0.02). Reallocating sedentary time to sleep was significantly associated with higher FACT-General (B = 0.15, SE = 0.08, p = 0.04) and functional well-being subscale (B = 0.06, SE = 0.03, p = 0.049) scores. Reallocating sedentary time to light PA was significantly associated with higher fatigue subscale scores (B = 0.46, SE = 0.23, p = 0.045). Kidney cancer survivors would need to reallocate a minimum of about 83, 200, and 65 min/day of MVPA, sleep, and light PA, respectively, for associations to be clinically meaningful. CONCLUSIONS: Reallocating sedentary time to MVPA, light PA, or sleep at higher doses is associated with better fatigue and physical aspects of QoL. Interventions should consider replacing sedentary time with MVPA or light PA in a gradual manner, and improve sleep quality for kidney cancer survivors.

Demographic, medical, social-cognitive, and environmental correlates of meeting independent and combined physical activity guidelines in kidney cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: Guidelines for cancer survivors recommend both aerobic physical activity (PA) and strength training (ST). Few kidney cancer survivors (KCS) are meeting single-activity or combined guidelines; therefore, examining factors influencing PA participation is warranted. The purpose of this study is to examine demographic, medical, social-cognitive, and environmental correlates of meeting independent (i.e., aerobic-only, strength training (ST)-only) and combined guidelines (i.e., aerobic and ST) in KCS. METHODS: KCS (N = 651) completed self-reported measures of PA and demographic, medical, social-cognitive, and perceived environmental factors. Built environment was assessed using the geographic information systems (GIS). Multinomial logistic regressions were conducted to determine the correlates of meeting the combined versus independent guidelines. RESULTS: Compared with meeting neither guideline, meeting aerobic-only guidelines was associated with higher intentions (p < .01) and planning (p < .01); meeting ST-only guidelines was associated with higher intentions (p = .02) and planning (p < .01), lower perceived behavioral control (PBC) (p = .03), healthy weight (p = .01), and older age (p < .01); and meeting the combined guidelines were associated with higher intentions (p < .01), planning (p = .02), higher instrumental attitudes (p < .01), higher education (p = .04), better health (p < .01), and localized cancer (p = .05). Additionally, compared with neither guideline, meeting aerobic-only (p < .01) and combined (p < .01) guidelines was significantly associated with access to workout attire. Compared with neither guideline, meeting aerobic-only guidelines was associated with proximity to retail (p = .02). CONCLUSION: PA participation correlates may vary based on the modality of interest. Interventions may differ depending on the modality promoted and whether KCS are already meeting single-modality guidelines.

Estimation of physical activity intensity cut-points using accelerometry in breast cancer survivors and age-matched controls.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between accelerometer activity counts and energy expenditure during walking in breast cancer survivors (BCS) compared with age-matched healthy controls, and differences in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) cut-points. METHODS: Using a case-control design, 19 BCS and 19 age-matched women completed 6 min of resting energy expenditure and 6-min periods of treadmill walking in Midwestern United States. Accelerometers and an open-circuit spirometry system were used to measure activity counts and energy expenditure (VO2 ). A mixed-factor analysis of variance was conducted on activity counts and VO2 . Independent samples t tests compared the magnitude of associations between groups. RESULTS: There were group by speed interactions on energy expenditure (p < 0.001) and counts (p < 0.001). The linear association did not differ between BCS and controls for the R2 (p = 0.62) nor the slope (p = 0.43), but there was a difference in the intercept (p = 0.01). This resulted in different MVPA cut-points between groups: 1,439 ± 761 counts·min-1 in BCS and 1,937 ± 639 counts·min-1 in controls. CONCLUSION: The findings support the use of different cut-points to quantify time spent in MVPA for BCS. Application of these cut-points is warranted to accurately assess physical activity (PA) patterns for better prescription and health outcomes in PA programmes for BCS.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of adherence to physical activity interventions among three chronic conditions: cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is effective for the prevention and treatment of chronic disease, yet insufficient evidence is available to make comparisons regarding adherence to aerobic physical activity interventions among chronic disease populations, or across different settings. The purpose of this review is to investigate and provide a quantitative summary of adherence rates to the aerobic physical activity guidelines among people with chronic conditions, as physical activity is an effective form of treatment and prevention of chronic disease. METHODS: Randomized controlled (RCTs) trials where aerobic physical activity was the primary intervention were selected from PsychInfo, PubMed, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Clinical Key, and SCOPUS from 2000 to 2018. Studies were included if the program prescription aligned with the 2008 aerobic physical activity guidelines, were at least 12 weeks in length, and included adult participants living with one of three chronic diseases. The data was extracted by hand and the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis) guidelines were used to evaluate risk-of-bias and quality of evidence. Data were pooled using random-effect models. The primary outcome measure was program adherence and the secondary outcome measures were dropout and setting (e.g. home vs. clinic-based). Pooled effect sizes and 95% CiIs (confidence intervals) were calculated using random-effect models. RESULTS: The literature search identified 1616 potentially eligible studies, of which 30 studies (published between 2000 and 2018, including 3,721 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Three clinical populations were targeted: cancer (n = 14), cardiovascular disease (n = 7), and diabetes (n = 9). Although not statistically significant, adherence rates varied across samples (65, 90, and 80%, respectively) whereas dropout rates were relatively low and consistent across samples (5, 4, and 3%). The average adherence rate, regardless of condition, is 77% (95% CI = 0.68, 0.84) of their prescribed physical activity treatment. The pooled adherence rates for clinic-based and home-based programs did not differ (74% [95% CI, 0.65, 0.82] and 80% [95% CI, 0.65, 0.91], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The current evidence suggests that people with chronic conditions are capable of sustaining aerobic physical activity for 3+ months, as a form of treatment. Moreover, home-based programs may be just as feasible as supervised, clinic-based physical activity programs.

Modality-specific exercise guidelines and quality of life in kidney cancer survivors: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Few exercise oncology trials have compared aerobic with strength exercise or compared combined exercise (ie, aerobic and strength training) with aerobic only or strength only. It is unknown what single or combined exercise modality is optimal for quality of life (QoL) in cancer survivors. The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence of meeting the combined and independent aerobic and strength exercise guidelines in kidney cancer survivors (KCS) and determine any associations with QoL. METHODS: One thousand nine hundred eighty-five KCS were identified through a provincial registry in Canada and mailed a survey including exercise and QoL scales. RESULTS: Completed surveys were received from 703 KCS. Only 10.1% of KCS reported meeting the combined exercise guidelines. Analyses of covariance indicated that, for most QoL outcomes (eg, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Fatigue), meeting the combined exercise guideline was superior to meeting either single modality guideline that, in turn, were superior to meeting neither guideline. For the primary outcome of the Trial Outcome Index-Fatigue, meeting the combined exercise guideline was superior to meeting (a) neither guideline (P < 0.001), (b) the strength-only guideline (P = 0.021), and (c) the aerobic-only guideline (P = 0.051). In turn, the aerobic and strength exercise only guidelines were superior to meeting neither guideline (P < 0.001 for aerobic; P = 0.045 for strength) but were not different from each other (P = 0.50). CONCLUSIONS: Meeting the combined exercise guideline has favorable associations with QoL in KCS, however, very few KCS are meeting the combined guideline.

Profiling sedentary behavior in breast cancer survivors: Links with depression symptoms during the early survivorship period.

OBJECTIVE: Depression symptoms are prevalent among breast cancer survivors (BCS). Reducing sedentary behavior (SED) may be a non-pharmaceutical strategy for alleviating depression symptoms. However, little is known about SED among BCS. The present study aimed to: (i) describe SED behaviors among BCS and identify unique SED groups based on different SED dimensions; (ii) identify personal and cancer-specific factors that discriminate SED clusters; and (iii) examine the association between SED clusters and depression symptoms. METHODS: Baseline self-report demographic and medical information was collected from 187 BCS. SED and physical activity were assessed over seven days using an accelerometer. Self-reported depression symptoms were reported three months later. Multiple dimensions of SED were identified and examined in cluster analysis. The clusters were examined for differences using multivariate analysis of variance and chi-square analyses. The difference in depression symptoms among SED groups was assessed using an analysis of covariance. RESULTS: High and low SED groups were identified. Survivors in the high SED cluster were significantly older, heavier, less physically active, reported less education, and were more likely to have undergone lymph/axial node dissection. Women in the high SED cluster reported significantly higher depression symptoms prospectively (M = 9.50, SD = 6.07) compared to women in the low SED group (M = 6.89, SD = 5.18), F(8,179) = 4.97, p = 0.03, R2  = 0.34. CONCLUSIONS: The importance of understanding multiple dimensions of SED among BCS was highlighted. Reducing SED during the early survivorship period may alleviate depression symptoms.

Physical activity programming and counseling preferences among cancer survivors: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) participation and adherence among cancer survivors is low, despite research indicating numerous physical, psychological and emotional health benefits of exercise. Tailoring exercise programs specific to the PA preferences in cancer survivors has merit for increasing PA participation and adherence to accrue these benefits. This systematic review identifies and differentiates PA programming and counseling preferences of adult cancer survivors across various cancer survivor groups. METHODS: PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Web of Science and CINAHL were electronically searched (inception to Oct 2017) and articles were identified using PRISMA guidelines. Two reviewers independently assessed identified articles to determine eligibility and then individually performed a quality assessment on all final studies. Extracted and analyzed data included participant characteristics, interest in exercise counseling and programming, as well as specific exercise and counseling preferences (e.g. location, timing, intensity). RESULTS: Forty-one articles were included in this systematic review. Most studies assessed mixed cancer survivor groups or breast cancer survivors. Most cancer survivors felt able and interested in participating in a PA program, though starting a PA program after or before treatment was preferred. Walking was the strongest PA modality preference, and most cancer survivors preferred moderate intensity PA. Cancer survivors also indicated preferences for home-based PA that could take place in the morning. Slight preferences were found towards physical activity counseling delivered by a fitness expert from a cancer center. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were found to be of moderate to high quality based on the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS) and the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ), respectively. CONCLUSION: Cancer survivors have an interest in participating in PA programs with walking as the primary modality. Additionally, morning-based PA programs that can be tapered to home-based programs are desirable. However, there was wide variation in other PA preference variables, suggesting multiple program options would be beneficial. Many cancer survivors felt interested and able to participate in PA, and therefore designing PA programs that are tailored to cancer survivors is integral for optimizing recruitment and adherence, as well as enhancing health outcomes in cancer survivors.

Correction to: RiseTx: testing the feasibility of a web application for reducing sedentary behavior among prostate cancer survivors receiving androgen deprivation therapy.

Following publication of the original article [1], the author has requested us to make a correction in the Results section of the Abstract and in the Discussion sections as explained below.