Background
In people treated for cancer, physical activity (PA) is known to decline. For most people their PA never returns to pre-diagnosis levels. PA reduces incidence of cancer, severity of treatment related symptoms, improves quality of life and mood, maintains muscle mass, strength and functional status. Despite these benefits, there are few PA/exercise programs available for cancer patients particularly during treatment. Views of Australian health professionals about exercise in cancer patients before, during and after treatment are unknown.
Objective
To pilot a survey designed to determine the perceptions of Australian oncology health professionals about exercise in people diagnosed with cancer undergoing treatment.
Methods
We used a pilot, cross-sectional study design to survey a convenience sample of health professionals working at two Cancer Centres in Sydney. Descriptive statistics are reported.
Results
The survey was completed by 71 respondents across 13 disciplines (24% medical oncology, 20% nursing, 11% radiation oncology). Most (88%) reported engaging in regular exercise themselves. Majority of professionals agree/strongly agree exercise is beneficial (78%), safe (78%) and important (77%) during cancer treatment. They believe their patients are capable of exercising (67%) and recommendations would be well received (74%). Only 5% disagreed/strongly disagreed that patients should exercise during treatment. Many (64%) spend 1-5 minutes discussing exercise in consultations; 25% do not discuss exercise. 56% refer their patients to within hospital exercise programs. Barriers to referral include patient factors (fatigue/pain 56%), too many things to discuss (46%), financial constraints (37%) and their own knowledge of exercise prescriptions (37%).
Conclusion
This study reports that Australian oncology health professionals perceptions of exercise are likely to influence advice given to patients. The findings indicate cancer health professionals agree that exercise is important and beneficial for patients throughout treatment. This pilot study is being rolled out across Australia through oncology professional groups.