title: Physical activity among cancer survivors: a literature review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Physical activity offers a variety of health benefits to cancer survivors, both during and post-treatment. The aim here is to review: the preferences of cancer survivors regarding exercise counselling and participation in a physical activity programme; adherence rates among cancer survivors to physical activity programmes; and predictors of adherence to exercise training.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two electronic databases, Ovid MEDLINE(R) 1950 to Present with Daily Update and SCOPUS, were used to undertake literature searches for studies examining exercise preferences of adult cancer survivors, and physical activity programmes for adults at any point of the cancer trajectory.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Studies suggest that, while physical activity levels are low among cancer survivors, most are interested in increasing their participation. Preferences and adherence to physical activity programmes differ across a range of demographic, medical, and behavioural variables, suggesting the importance of tailoring exercise programmes to patient-specific and disease-specific needs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Current evidence supports the benefits of physical activity for improving risk factors associated with cancer prognosis. Physical activity programmes developed for oncology patients and cancer survivors need to take into account the needs of the target population in order to optimise adherence, outcomes, and long-term behavioural changes in this population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics, Umea University, Sweden. ewa.szymlek-gay@pediatri.umu.se
authors.forename: Ewa A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Szymlek-Gay
authors.forename: Rosalina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Richards
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Egan
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003376:Counseling; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D009369:Neoplasms; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010809:Physical Fitness; D017741:Survivors