Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2019

Physical Activity and Metastatic Breast Cancer: Preferences and Barriers (#423)

Jasmine Yee 1 2 , Glen M Davis 1 , Jane Beith 3 , Nicholas Wilcken 4 , David Currow 5 , Karen Willis 1 6 , Sharon L Kilbreath 1
  1. Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, NSW, Australia
  2. CeMPED, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Campderdown, NSW, Australia
  3. The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
  4. Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
  5. Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
  6. Department of Health, The University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom

Aim: Physical activity may help women with metastatic breast cancer to live well and manage their disease. Whilst little is known about the specific physical activity interests of this population, understanding patient preferences may aid in designing effective interventions. The study aimed to determine physical activity preferences and to identify perceived barriers and benefits to activity in women with metastatic breast cancer. Characteristics associated with interest in commencing a physical activity program were also explored.    

Methods: Sixty-two community-dwelling women with metastatic breast cancer aged 58.2±9.5 y and 2.0 y (IQR: 1.0-4.0) after disease onset participated. Following assessment of physical and patient-reported outcomes, participants completed a structured interview to determine physical activity preferences, barriers to adoption and perceived benefits.

Results: Most women (74%) expressed interest in participating in a physical activity program. Reasons for not wanting to participate included being too ill (8%), already doing enough exercise (6%), too old (5%), not enough time (5%) and musculoskeletal concerns (2%). Characteristics did not differ between those who did and did not express interest. There was a strong preference for home-based activity (72%), with walking the preferred modality (89%). Most women (89%) identified barriers to commencing a program; 63% identified barriers likely disease- or treatment-related, most commonly pain (17%). Perceived benefits of a program included increased energy (33%) and improved  psychological well-being (26%). Increased energy was identified as a potential benefit in 60% of women who were already active compared to 25% in women who were inactive. 

Conclusion: Women living in the community with metastatic breast cancer are interested in participating in a physical activity program and identified strong preferences regarding mode and environment of activity. Understanding physical activity preferences, perceived benefits and barriers facilitates the design of an intervention that enhances the likelihood of being effective and acceptable in this unique population.