Experiences, behaviours, and perspectives of young cancer survivors on physical activity
Ewan Thomas,
Luca Di Bartolo,
Marina Galioto,
Domiziana Seminara,
Susanna Pusa,
Rebecca Baxter,
Sonia Ortega-Gómez,
David Jiménez-Pavón,
Maria Vasilopoulou,
Apostolos Vantarakis,
Paula Tavares,
Maria João Campos,
Petra Thaller,
Joshua Thaller,
Sofia Papakonstantinou,
Musa Kirkar,
Sara Vivirito,
Francesca Glorioso,
Ennio Iannitto,
Mario Lo Mauro,
Antonino Bianco
Affiliations
Ewan Thomas
Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
Luca Di Bartolo
Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Corresponding author. Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, University of Palermo, Via Giovanni Pascoli 6, 90144, Palermo, Italy.
Marina Galioto
Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
Domiziana Seminara
Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
Susanna Pusa
Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
Rebecca Baxter
Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
Sonia Ortega-Gómez
MOVE-IT Research Group, Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Education Sciences, University of Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain
David Jiménez-Pavón
MOVE-IT Research Group, Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Education Sciences, University of Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain
Maria Vasilopoulou
Department of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
Apostolos Vantarakis
Department of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
Paula Tavares
Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
Maria João Campos
Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
Petra Thaller
Department of Health Consulting, Research and Science, Outdoor Against Cancer, Munich, Germany
Joshua Thaller
Department of Health Consulting, Research and Science, Outdoor Against Cancer, Munich, Germany
Sofia Papakonstantinou
Creative Thinking Development - CRE.THI.DEV, Rafina, Greece
Musa Kirkar
CEIPES ETS, Palermo, Italy
Sara Vivirito
CEIPES ETS, Palermo, Italy
Francesca Glorioso
Lega Italiana per la Lotta contro i Tumori (LILT Palermo), Palermo, Italy
Ennio Iannitto
Lega Italiana per la Lotta contro i Tumori (LILT Palermo), Palermo, Italy
Mario Lo Mauro
Medical Oncology Unit, Ospedale Buccheri-La Ferla Fatebenefratelli, Palermo, Italy
Antonino Bianco
Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
This narrative review aimed to identify young cancer survivors’ behaviours, experiences, and perspectives concerning physical activity, and identify useful strategies for promoting a healthy lifestyle. A manual search on the following databases was conducted: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The search was conducted between June 1, 2023, and April 12, 2024. Articles published from database inception up to April 12, 2024, were retrieved. Articles published in any language were considered. Perspectives including ideas, perceived barriers, and facilitators have been identified. Young cancer survivors seem to engage in physical activity as a useful coping strategy to regain normality and keep healthy after the cancer diagnosis. Although emotional and social support seems fundamental to increase participation, several other factors, including physical limitations, fatigue, sex, cancer type, and socio-economic status can influence physical activity participation. For those engaged in physical activity, the preferred activities are walking, biking, going to the gym, and exercising at home, while the least preferred are exercising at the hospital or boot camp-based exercises. Yoga is more frequently chosen by those still under treatment. Young cancer survivors appear to have unique needs different from those of adult cancer survivors. Mode of treatment delivery, increased awareness concerning the effects of physical activity, including families and friends, connecting survivors, and providing social support together with increasing motivation are key strategies for the promotion of physical activity in young cancer survivors. Fitness and healthcare professionals should consider these aspects to increase young cancer survivors' involvement in physical activities.
