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Exercise among breast and prostate cancer survivors—what are their barriers?

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Abstract

Introduction

Despite proven benefits of regular physical activity, estimates indicate that few cancer survivors meet physical activity guidelines. The purpose of this paper is to identify and compare exercise barriers among cancer survivors, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally as they undergo home-based behavioral interventions.

Methods

Data on a sample of 452 breast and prostate cancer survivors who completed the FRESH START trial were analyzed collectively, as well as separately by cancer type.

Results

More total barriers (3.5 vs. 2.4; p < 0.01) were reported among breast cancer survivors compared with prostate cancer survivors. Commonly reported baseline exercise barriers among both groups were “too busy” (breast, 52% and prostate, 45%) and “no willpower” (breast, 51% and prostate, 44%). At baseline, breast cancer survivors who reported “no willpower” also reported 18.7 fewer minutes of physical activity compared with those not reporting this barrier (p < 0.01). Among prostate cancer survivors, this difference was 39.5 min (p < 0.01). Change in barriers was not associated with change in minutes of physical activity from baseline to post-intervention in either cancer survivor group.

Conclusions

This is the largest study evaluating barriers and physical activity over time among cancer survivors. There are similarities and differences that both need to be taken into consideration when promoting physical activity among subgroups of survivors.

Implications for cancer survivors

Knowledge concerning barriers associated with reported physical activity may be helpful in designing optimally targeted physical activity interventions among breast and prostate cancer survivors.

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Acknowledgments

The original FRESH START trial was supported by grants R01 CA81191, CA74000, CA63782, and M01-RR-30 from the National Institutes of Health and also by the American Institute of Cancer Research and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. This material is the result of work supported with resources and the use of facilities at the Durham VA medical center. The authors declare no financial disclosures.

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Correspondence to Allison J. Ottenbacher.

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Ottenbacher, A.J., Day, R.S., Taylor, W.C. et al. Exercise among breast and prostate cancer survivors—what are their barriers?. J Cancer Surviv 5, 413–419 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-011-0184-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-011-0184-8

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