Evaluation of a cancer exercise program: patient and physician beliefs.
OBJECTIVE
Participation in an exercise intervention during cancer treatment diminishes the side effects associated with cancer therapies, although such benefits vary according to the disease and the patient characteristics. A structured exercise program providing an individualized fitness program tailored to the patients' illness, treatment, and fitness level would address this variability. However, the need, desired components, and anticipated barriers of such a program have not been systematically explored from either the point of view of cancer patients or treating oncologists.


METHODS
Sixty-six cancer patients and 18 medical and radiation oncologists were surveyed on the above variables.


RESULTS
Cancer patients and oncologists alike perceived a need for a structured exercise program during and after medical treatment for cancer. Among cancer patients, the most commonly preferred feature was access to consultation with an exercise specialist who could take into account the patient's previous exercise and medical history. Over a third of patients reported interest in a hospital-based fitness program. Oncologists were in favor of appropriate supervision of patients during exercise, and noted insufficient time to discuss exercise in their practice. Respondents noted time and parking as barriers to participation.


CONCLUSIONS
Overall, results support the need for a supervised exercise program during active treatment for cancer and highlight the desired features of such a program.
Peeters
C
C
School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada K1H 8L1. cpeet036@uottawa.ca
Stewart
A
A
Segal
R
R
Wouterloot
E
E
Scott
C G
CG
Aubry
T
T
D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003469:Culture; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D055809:Illness Behavior; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000523:psychology; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012017:Referral and Consultation