Oncologists' attitudes towards recommending exercise to cancer patients: A Canadian national survey

Abstract

8138 Background: Preliminary research suggests that exercise may be a beneficial supportive therapy for cancer patients and that oncologists may play an important role in promoting exercise to their patients. In the present study, we examined oncologists' attitudes towards recommending exercise to cancer patients during treatment. Methods: Using a national survey, 659 practicing medical and radiation oncologists in Canada listed in the Canadian Medical Directory and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons directory (2002–2003) were sent a brief questionnaire. Results: The response rate was 46% (281/610). Overall, the majority of oncologists agreed that exercise was beneficial (62.0%), important (55.8%) and safe (63.1%) for cancer patients during treatment. Moreover, 43.1% reported that they tried to recommend exercise to their patients when appropriate while oncologists' actually reported recommending exercise to 28% of their patients in the past month. Independent predictors of providing an exercise recommendation were oncologists' intention (β=.42; p<.001) and perceived ability to recommend exercise (β=.15; p=.009), and their evaluation of their patients' perceived approval of providing exercise advice (β=.15; p=.024). Analyses also indicated significant differences between oncologists with younger, female, and medical oncologists generally having more favorable attitudes towards exercise for cancer patients. Conclusions: Oncologists have a favorable attitude toward recommending exercise to cancer patients although several important barriers may prevent oncologists' from providing exercise advice to their patients. Further research is required evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and strategies designed to improve oncologist's confidence and ability to advise their patients on exercise during oncology consultations. No significant financial relationships to disclose.