Poster Presentation Cancer Survivorship 2017

Facilitators and barriers to participation in a weight management study for cancer survivors: A qualitative exploration. (#84)

Jane D Turner 1 2 , Sim Yee (Cindy) Tan 2 3 , Haryana M Dhillon 1 , Natalie Stefanic 1 , Janette L Vardy 2 4
  1. Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-based Decision-making, The University of Sydney, Sydney
  2. Concord Cancer Centre, Concord, NSW, Australia
  3. Nutrition and Dietetics Department, Concord Hospital, Concord, NSW, Australia
  4. Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney

Aims

For cancer survivors, obesity and lack of physical activity contribute to disease burden and poorer disease and health-related outcomes. Despite recommendations to remain physically active, have a diet high in fruit and vegetables, and maintain a healthy weight, the majority of cancer survivors do not meet these criteria and access to healthy lifestyle programs are not routinely integrated into survivorship care. This study aimed to qualitatively explore the barriers and facilitators to participating in a 6-month (twice weekly exercise and once weekly nutrition) weight management program (WMP) for overweight/obese cancer survivors at the Sydney Survivorship Centre (SSC). 

Methods

Overweight/obese (BMI ≥25kg/m2) adults with localised cancer who completed the six month WMP participated in recorded, semi-structured telephone interviews. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and themes derived from the data were coded using a framework analysis approach.

Results

Ten women with median age 56 years (range 45-71) participated in the telephone interview. Tumour groups represented: breast (n=6), colorectal (n=3), and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (n=1). Participants identified several things that facilitated adherence to the intervention: support from program staff and other participants; tailoring of the program to their needs and limitations. Interactions between study participants were valued; individuals felt “more comfortable” being around “like-minded people”. Participants reported not feeling pressure to perform and being able to share their feelings and experiences with others survivors more easily than their friends or family. Some participants benefitted from individually prescribed programs tailored to their needs and felt empowered to take control of their health. Barriers to adherence include: limited session times; return to work; and, commute time.

Conclusions

Our study confirms that overweight/obese cancer survivors are willing to commit to, and attend, an intensive hospital-based exercise and nutrition WMP, where they felt supported, heard, encouraged, and not judged.