‘People don't get cancer, families do’: Co‐development of a social physical activity intervention for people recently affected by a cancer diagnosis

Abstract

Objective This research took a co‐design approach to develop a social intervention to support people affected by a cancer diagnosis to be physically active. Methods We conducted semi‐structured interviews with five key stakeholder groups: (1) adults with a recent breast or prostate cancer diagnosis; (2) family and friends of cancer patients; (3) healthcare professionals; (4) physical activity providers; and (5) cancer charity representatives. Inductive content analysis was used to identify themes in the data. We then worked with a subset of participants to co‐develop the intervention. Results Participants welcomed the idea of a social approach to a physical activity intervention. Input was received on the timing and format of delivery, how to communicate about physical activity to cancer patients and their family and friends and the types of physical activity that would be appropriate. Our findings suggest that interventions need to be flexible in terms of timing and delivery and offer a wide range of physical activity options. These findings directly informed the co‐development of ‘All Together Active’. Conclusion All Together Active is designed to support cancer patients and their family and friends to be active throughout treatment and beyond, benefiting their physical and mental health.

The experiences and perceptions of female breast cancer patients regarding weight management during and after treatment for oestrogen-receptor positive disease: a qualitative study

“…Although recent evidence of modest improvements in dietary and physical activity behaviours within three years of a breast cancer diagnosis provides support for the “teachable moment” [ 36 ], improvements may not be maintained over the longer-term [ 37 ]. The low priority participants gave to weight management behaviours during treatment resonates with qualitative data from other studies [ 38 , 39 ] but contrasting evidence suggests that long-standing, deep-routed concerns about excess body weight can overshadow the emotional stress of a breast cancer diagnosis in some women [ 40 ]. This demonstrates the complex interaction between the emotional consequences of a breast cancer diagnosis and existing weight management concerns.…”

“…This shows that social support for health behaviour change is a complex issue for BCPs, requiring context-specific considerations. Furthermore, these findings suggest that support programmes which include family and friends in endeavours to change the health behaviours of BCPs could be beneficial [ 39 ].…”

Home-based exercise improves quality of life in breast and prostate cancer survivors: A meta-analysis

“…In wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and a shift to the virtual delivery of exercise programs [ 84 ], we must consider ways to increase social support for cancer survivors. Furthermore, qualitative data investigating psychosocial benefits from PA in breast and prostate cancer survivors suggest that despite facing many barriers to PA engagement, support from other cancer survivors or family/friends should be considered in exercise prescription [ 88 , 89 ].…”

Co-designed weight management intervention for women recovering from oestrogen-receptor positive breast cancer

“…In particular, BCPs felt strongly that group-based support sessions, example recipes, myth-busting sessions and exercise taster sessions should be underpinned by the most up-to-date public health guidance on weight management and physical activity. Finally, BCPs felt that the intervention should not be stringently prescribed but should allow a flexible approach to weight management behaviours (based on core principles) and to the scheduling of group-based sessions to avoid clashes with other commitments, including work [ 46 , 47 ].…”

“…BCPs also liked the idea of using an inspirational food diary (to include recipe ideas) to help maintain their motivation for healthy eating and having access to a bespoke programme web-platform which could provide access to all intervention educational materials and links to other credible weight management advice. Multiple delivery mediums have previously been recommended to cater for different people with different preferences, regarding how they would like to access the intervention [ 46 ]. Progress tracking and achievable goal setting were other motivational strategies discussed in the co-design workshops, in accordance with best evidence behavioural strategies [ 16 , 43 ].…”