Outdoor Against Cancer Connects Us (OACCUs) Project

Abstract

Objective: The main project objectives will be to characterize the lifestyle behaviours of young cancer survivors (YCS) and to examine the associations of physical activity, balanced nutrition and sustainability and nature behaviours with mental well-being and quality of life. Methods: The present cross-sectional project will include YCS between 15 to 39 years from Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. Sociodemographic aspects and disease history will be collected. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire and The International Fitness Scale will be applied to assess physical activity and sedentary levels; and self-reported fitness, respectively. The questionnaire on adherence to the Mediterranean diet will evaluate healthy diet habits, and a short set of questions will cover the environmental quality of residence of the participants, as well as their outdoor habits. In addition, the EQ‐5D‐5L instrument will measure health-related quality of life, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale will collect depression and anxiety symptoms. Results: It is hypothesised that positive lifestyle behaviours, such as increasing physical activity and following balanced nutrition, may correlate with improved mental well-being and quality of life in YCS. These findings have the potential to deepen our understanding of the intricate interplay between cancer, lifestyle and mental health