The views of patients with metastatic prostate cancer towards physical activity: a qualitative exploration.

PURPOSE: Patients with metastatic cancer can experience debilitating symptoms, which may influence attitudes towards and engagement in physical activity. This study aimed to examine the attitudes of patients living with metastatic prostate cancer towards physical activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were completed with male patients living with metastatic prostate cancer. Interviews included eight questions related to patients' attitudes towards physical activity. Content analysis was conducted on the transcribed interview data. Twenty men with metastatic prostate cancer (mean age 71 ± 8.5 years; body mass index 30.19 ± 5.37 kg/cm2) and associated bone metastases (55% with > 2 regions affected) participated in the study. RESULTS: Men's views towards physical activity were coded into the following major themes: (1) barriers to physical activity, (2) benefits of physical activity, (3) a reduction in physical activity levels post diagnosis and (4) social support for physical activity. Symptoms of metastatic prostate cancer and treatment side effects including pain and fatigue negatively influenced activity participation. In addition, many generic barriers to physical activity were described such as bad weather and a lack of suitable facilities for exercising in rural areas. CONCLUSION: Men living with metastatic prostate cancer have unique needs regarding physical activity related to symptoms of both their cancer and cancer treatment. There is a need to increase prompts that encourage those with metastatic prostate cancer to maintain/increase physical activity levels post diagnosis. Given the individualised needs of this patient group, referral to a cancer exercise specialist should be considered for prescription of tailored physical activity programmes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NLM Identifier: NCT02453139.

Physical activity and advanced cancer: the views of oncology and palliative care physicians in Ireland.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) levels play an important role in maintaining the quality of life and enhancing the physical function of advanced cancer patients. A brief exercise prompt by physicians can increase PA levels of patients diagnosed with cancer. AIMS: This study explores the views of Irish oncology and palliative care physicians towards PA for patients with advanced cancer. METHODS: A web-based survey with closed- and open-ended questions was used to explore physicians' views. The survey presented a Likert-style questionnaire and open text responses to two patient case studies. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. RESULTS: Forty participants completed the study, a response rate of 41%. Responding physicians acknowledged the importance of physical activity for patients with advanced cancer. Twenty-six physicians (67%) agreed that patients look to them for PA recommendations and 30 physicians (77%) indicated a need for more information on providing PA recommendations. Case study responses highlighted concerns relating to PA prescription for patients with bone metastases including the aggravation of symptom control and increased fracture risk. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study identify a need for physician education on providing PA recommendations for patients with advanced cancer. Concerns over the prescription of PA to patients with bone metastases highlight the need to disseminate the evidence on the benefits of PA for patients with metastatic cancer to healthcare professionals.