Implementing physical activity programs for patients with cancer in current practice: patients’ experienced barriers and facilitators

Physical activity has been shown to improve the psychological and physiological functioning of patients affected by cancer. Many studies have also indicated that maintaining a physically active lifestyle during and after cancer can be challenging. Evidence-based guidelines recommend implementing physical activity programs or other initiatives to promote physical activity, however the uptake of these programs are low, and they are not currently widely implemented. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators in implementing physical activity programs for patients with cancer according to patients’ experience. The results identified many barriers for implementation, including non-involvement of the general practitioner in the cancer care process, and poor communication between the primary and secondary health care providers. This indicates that primary care providers could play an important role in facilitating uptake of physical activity programs for cancer patients, and help to improve their overall outcomes and quality of life. Read full text