A scoping review of studies exploring physical activity among adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer

Purpose To evaluate the uptake and effect of RENEW, a 12-week exercise referral programme for young adult cancer survivors delivered by Trekstock, a UK-based cancer charity. Methods The RENEW programme provides one-to-one individually tailored support from a level-4 cancer-rehabilitationqualified gym instructor, free gym membership and access to information resources online. Objective and self-report data on cardiorespiratory function, strength, body composition, fatigue, sleep quality and general health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was collected from participants before the programme (week 0), immediately after (week 12) and 1 month later (week 16). Results Forty-eight young adults (83% female; mean age, 29 years) with a history of cancer took part within the 12-week programme and completed the evaluation measures. Physical activity (PA) levels significantly increased following the programme and remained raised at follow-up. Improvements in physical function were significant: peak expiratory flow (mean change, 30.96, p = 0.003), sit-and-reach test (mean change, 6.55 ± 4.54, p < 0.0001), and 6-mine-walk test (mean change, 0.12 ± 0.04, p < 0.0001). No significant changes in BMI, weight or muscle mass were observed. Improvements in fatigue, sleep and HRQoL were observed across the programme and at follow-up (mean change, weeks 0-16; 8.04 ± 1.49 p < 0.01; 1.05 ± 0.49 p < 0.05; and − 0.9 ± 0.46 p = 0.051, respectively). Changes in self-efficacy to exercise and motivations to exercise were not observed at 12 weeks or at follow-up. Conclusions Results suggest that the RENEW exercise referral programme has a positive impact upon some domains of physical function and well-being among young adult cancer survivors. Implication for cancer survivors Exercise referral programmes delivered by charity organisations are one means by which PA behaviour change support may be widely disseminated to young adult cancer survivors. Health professionals and charitable bodies specialising in the care of young adults with cancer should look to address factors which prevent engagement and uptake of 'real-world' PA interventions such as the RENEW programme.

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 52%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 90%

Trekstock RENEW: evaluation of a 12-week exercise referral programme for young adult cancer survivors delivered by a cancer charity

Pugh

Below

Fisher

et al. 2020

“…This was to be expected given the strong evidence base which demonstrates physical activity is beneficial for the management of cancer-related fatigue during and after treatment [23]. Among adolescents and young adults, there is growing evidence that the same holds true [24][25][26][27]. For example, in one study of adolescent cancer survivors, exercise was found to partially mediate the relationship between fatigue and quality of life during treatment and the relationship between sleep quality and quality of life posttreatment [28].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Young adult cancer survivors’ experience of taking part in a 12-week exercise referral programme: a qualitative study of the Trekstock RENEW initiative

Below

Fisher

Epstone³

et al. 2020

Purpose There is emerging evidence that physical activity interventions have the potential to improve the physical function and psychosocial well-being of young adult cancer survivors. However, most existing interventions for young adult cancer survivors have been delivered in an in-patient hospital setting. The purpose of this study is to explore young adult cancer survivors’ (YACS) experiences of the RENEW programme, a 12-week community-based exercise referral scheme delivered by Trekstock, a UK-based cancer charity. Methods Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with YACS (mean age, 33 years; 87.5% female) who participated in the RENEW exercise referral programme. Each interview followed the same semi-structured interview guide which asked participants about their experiences of the RENEW programme and their ideas for the future development of the scheme. Data was audio-recorded, transcribed full verbatim and analysed using framework analysis. Results YACs predominantly chose to take part in the RENEW programme as a means to improve their health and overcome cancer related impairments (e.g. fatigue, loss of strength, low body confidence). The offer of one-to-one tailored support and unlimited gym access was often cited as a factor which motivated enrolment. Overall, YACS experience of the programme was positive with many describing improvements in physical function and general well-being. Barriers to participating in the programme included sign-off from clinicians prior to enrolment, travelling to the gym and fear of exercising alone. Conclusions Exercise referral schemes are acceptable to YACS and provide a promising opportunity for young people with cancer to improve their physical and psychosocial health through physical activity.

“…However, very little is known regarding the current health behaviour status of TYA cancer patients or survivors and whether their lifestyles differ to the general population. Of the few studies which have investigated the health behaviours of young people with cancer, the majority have been conducted in the USA and predominantly explored the health behaviour status of long-term survivors of a cancer diagnosed during childhood [8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. Data from these studies suggest TYA-aged cancer patients and survivors have low levels of physical activity, consume relatively poor diets, often struggle with weight gain, and engage in health-risk behaviours such as smoking and alcohol consumption.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The health behaviour status of teenage and young adult cancer patients and survivors in the United Kingdom

Pugh

Hough

Gravestock³

et al. 2019

Purpose The primary aim of this study was to investigate the health behaviour status of teenage and young adult (TYA) cancer patients and survivors; the secondary aim was to determine if TYA cancer patients and survivors health behaviour differs to general population controls. Methods Two hundred sixty-seven young people with cancer (n =83 cancer patients receiving active treatment: n =174 cancer survivors, 57.1% >1 year since treatment completion) and 321 controls completed a health and lifestyle questionnaire which included validated measures of physical activity (PA) (Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire), diet (Dietary Instrument for Nutrition Education, DINE), smoking status, and alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C). Results General population controls and cancer survivors were more likely to meet current (PA) recommendations (p <0.001) than TYA cancer patients undergoing treatment (54.8% vs 52.3% vs 30.1%, respectively). Less than 40% of young people with cancer and controls met fat intake, sugar intake, fibre intake or current fruit and vegetable recommendations. TYA cancer survivors were more likely to report binge drinking than controls (OR=3.26, 95% CI 2.12-5.02, p <0.001). Very few young people with in the study were current smokers. The majority of TYA cancer patients and survivors reported a desire to make positive changes to their health behaviour. Conclusion Consideration should be given to whether existing health behaviour change interventions which have demonstrated positive effects among the general TYA population could be adapted for young people with cancer.