Abstract
PurposeThere is emerging evidence that physical activity interventions have the potential to improve the physical function and psychosocial well-being of young adult cancer survivors. However, most existing interventions for young adult cancer survivors have been delivered in an in-patient hospital setting. The purpose of this study is to explore young adult cancer survivors’ (YACS) experiences of the RENEW programme, a 12-week community-based exercise referral scheme delivered by Trekstock, a UK-based cancer charity.MethodsSixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with YACS (mean age, 33 years; 87.5% female) who participated in the RENEW exercise referral programme. Each interview followed the same semi-structured interview guide which asked participants about their experiences of the RENEW programme and their ideas for the future development of the scheme. Data was audio-recorded, transcribed full verbatim and analysed using framework analysis.ResultsYACs predominantly chose to take part in the RENEW programme as a means to improve their health and overcome cancer related impairments (e.g. fatigue, loss of strength, low body confidence). The offer of one-to-one tailored support and unlimited gym access was often cited as a factor which motivated enrolment. Overall, YACS experience of the programme was positive with many describing improvements in physical function and general well-being. Barriers to participating in the programme included sign-off from clinicians prior to enrolment, travelling to the gym and fear of exercising alone.ConclusionsExercise referral schemes are acceptable to YACS and provide a promising opportunity for young people with cancer to improve their physical and psychosocial health through physical activity.
Highlights
Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.Each day 34 young adults are diagnosed with cancer in the UK [1]
Sixteen of the 76 participants who took part in the RENEW programme chose to participate within the interview study
Ten subthemes emerged from the data with regard to the participant experience of the RENEW programme
Summary
Each day 34 young adults are diagnosed with cancer in the UK [1]. Due to improvements in treatment and care, the 5-year overall survival rate among this age group is around 80% [2]. Intensive treatment regimes, treatment-related side effects and prolonged periods isolated in hospital or at home away from higher education, work and peer groups can compromise young adult cancer survivors’ physical and psychosocial well-being [3,4,5]. The majority of research far has been conducted in controlled clinical environments among cancer survivors over the age of 50 diagnosed with breast, prostate or colorectal cancer [7,8,9]
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