title: A survey of physical activity programming and counseling preferences in young-adult cancer survivors.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Few research studies have focused on physical activity in young-adult cancer survivors despite the potential long-term health consequences of inactivity in this population.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Understanding the unique physical activity programming and counseling preferences of young-adult cancer survivors may inform future research as well as nursing practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were 588 young-adult cancer survivors (20-44 years old) who completed a mailed survey in the province of Alberta, Canada, that assessed physical activity preferences and standard demographic and medical variables.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most young-adult cancer survivors indicated that they were interested (78%) and able (88%) to participate in an activity program. Young-adult cancer survivors also preferred receiving activity counseling from a fitness expert at the cancer center (49.6%), information by brochure (64%), starting activity after treatment (64%), walking (51%), doing activity with others (49%), and doing activity at a community fitness center (46%). The χ analyses indicated that younger cancer survivors (20-29 vs 30-39 vs 40-44 years) were less likely to prefer walking (P < .001), more interested in receiving information (P = .002), and more likely to prefer receiving information by e-mail (P = .044) or Internet (P = .006).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Young-adult cancer survivors show interest in receiving physical activity counseling. There were some consistent programming preferences, although other preferences varied by demographic and medical factors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nurses may play a key role in promoting physical activity in young-adult cancer survivors. Understanding the physical activity preferences of young-adult cancer survivors may help nurses make practical recommendations and referrals.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
authors.forename: Lisa J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Bélanger
authors.forename: Ronald C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Plotnikoff
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: Kerry S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Courneya
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000416:Alberta; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D057240:Patient Preference / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult