Physical Activity Discussions as the First Step Towards Movement in Non-Curative Cancer Care: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND

Due to advances in technology, non-curative cancer patients are living longer with the burden of the disease. Physical activity (PA) has value as a supportive service for individuals at any point on the cancer care continuum, including advanced cancer.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to understand how oncology care providers (OCPs), family/friend caregivers, and health system decision makers can include conversations of PA into care for those living with non-curative cancer.

METHODS

We conducted 24 semi-structured interviews guided by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) model and further refined them using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). The data were then analyzed using a directed content analysis, with a codebook generated based on the TDF.

RESULTS

Findings highlighted the need for targeted education and effective communication to address knowledge gaps, motivation-enhancing strategies to overcome emotional barriers, and streamlined referral processes to address systemic barriers to PA across the cancer care journey.

CONCLUSIONS

There is an ongoing need to support individuals in living well, which involves not only addressing their immediate cancer diagnoses but also promoting overall health. This can be performed through PA, supported by their OCPs. This study further emphasizes the inclusion of PA discussions in cancer care.