Beat Cancer Research Articles

Breast cancer survivors' exercise preferences change during an exercise intervention are associated with post-intervention physical activity.

Exercise program preferences are important for designing physical activity (PA) interventions; yet may change following an intervention. Further, the relationship between preferences and PA behavior change is unclear. This study evaluated exercise program preferences among breast cancer survivors (BCS) before and after a behavioral intervention and associations between program preferences and PA change. BCS were randomized to the BEAT Cancer intervention (n = 110) or written materials (n = 112). Questionnaires assessed exercise program preferences. Minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) were accelerometer-measured and self-reported at baseline (M0), post-intervention (M3), and 3-month follow-up (M6). At M0, the majority of intervention group participants preferred exercising with others (62%) yet shifted to preferring exercising alone (59%) at M3 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, preferring exercising with others at M0 was associated with greater increases in self-reported MVPA between M0 and M6 (124.2 ± 152 vs. 53.1 ± 113.8, p = 0.014). BCS preferring facility-based exercise decreased after the BEAT Cancer intervention (14% vs. 7%, p = 0.039) and preferring exercising at home/had no preference at M0 had greater improvements in accelerometer-measured MVPA from M0 to M3 (74.3 ± 118.8 vs. -2.3 ± 78.4, p = 0.033) and M0 to M6 (44.9 ± 112.8 vs. 9.3 ± 30.4, p = 0.021). Exercise program preferences regarding mode of counseling, training supervision, and type of exercise changed from M0 to M3 but were not associated with changes in MVPA. Findings suggest BCS exercise program preferences may change after an intervention and be associated with changes in MVPA. Understanding the role of PA preferences will better inform the design and success of PA behavior change interventions. ClinicTrials.gov, ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT00929617.

Physical activity intervention benefits persist months post-intervention: randomized trial in breast cancer survivors.

Determine durable effects of the 3-month Better Exercise Adherence after Treatment for Cancer (BEAT Cancer) physical activity (PA) behavior change intervention 12months post-baseline (i.e., 9months after intervention completion). This 2-arm multicenter trial randomized 222 post-primary treatment breast cancer survivors to BEAT Cancer (individualized exercise and group education) vs. usual care (written materials). Assessments occurred at baseline, 3, 6, and 12months, with the 12months assessment reported here. Measures included PA (accelerometer, self-report), cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, body mass index, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT), SF-36, fatigue, depression, anxiety, satisfaction with life, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), lower extremity joint dysfunction, and perceived memory. Adjusted linear mixed-model analyses demonstrated statistically significant month 12 between-group differences favoring BEAT Cancer for weekly minutes of moderate-to-vigorous self-report PA (mean between-group difference (M) = 44; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 12 to 76; p = .001), fitness (M = 1.5ml/kg/min; CI = 0.4 to 2.6; p = .01), FACT-General (M = 3.5; CI = 0.7 to 6.3; p = .014), FACT-Breast (M = 3.6; CI = 0.1 to 7.1; p = .044), social well-being (M = 1.3; CI = 0.1 to 2.5; p = .037), functional well-being (M = 1.2; CI = 0.2 to 2.3; p = .023), SF-36 vitality (M = 6.1; CI = 1.4 to 10.8; p = .011), fatigue (M = - 0.7; CI = - 1.1 to - 0.2; p = .004), satisfaction with life (M = 1.9; CI = 0.3 to 3.5; p = .019), sleep duration (M = - 0.2; CI = - 0.4 to - 0.03, p = .028), and memory (M = 1.1; CI = 0.2 to 2.1; p = .024). A 3-month PA intervention resulted in statistically significant and clinically important benefits compared to usual care at 12months. Three months of individualized and group PA counseling causes benefits detectable 9months later. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00929617 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00929617 ; registered June 29, 2009).

Studying the implementation of exercise oncology interventions: a path forward.

Extensive scientific evidence supports exercise benefits after a cancer diagnosis and the field now needs to focus on elucidating effective strategies for implementing exercise evidence-based interventions (EBIs) for cancer survivors. This paper brings together three implementation efforts to describe pragmatic observations and strategies when implementing exercise oncology EBIs in non-research settings. From these projects, we report on common implementation barriers and facilitators. We then mapped these observations and strategies on to the phases and processes described in the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) Framework. The first implementation project used key stakeholders' perspectives to develop a toolkit to implement BEAT Cancer (Better Exercise Adherence after Treatment for Cancer), a self-managed intervention led by fitness professionals. The second project adapted a physical activity behavior change intervention (Active Living after Cancer) for use in the broader community. The third project adapted an in-person exercise intervention in a community setting (Physical Activity and Lymphedema) into an out-patient rehabilitation setting, including home-based intervention elements (Strength After Breast Cancer). We retrospectively collated and operationalized the implementation strategies based on the Experts Recommending Implementation Change (ERIC) study. The most common implementation barriers were related to funding, organizational capacity and training, relationship building, patient referral, and engagement with patients. These implementation strategies provide initial starting points for the implementation of exercise oncology EBIs in clinical and community settings while also serving as examples for future implementation research to advance the translation of exercise oncology evidence.

Moderators Of A Multi-Component Physical Activity Behavior Change Intervention Effects On Fatigue, Depression, And Anxiety

BACKGROUND: Fatigue, depression, and anxiety significantly reduce quality of life in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Identifying factors that predict symptom response to physical activity (PA) behavior change interventions may allow for more targeted interventions. PURPOSE: To determine demographic and medical factors that moderate the effects of a multi-component PA behavior change intervention (i.e., BEAT Cancer) on fatigue, depressive symptomatology, and anxiety in BCS. METHODS: In this multi-center randomized controlled trial, post-primary treatment BCS (N=222; Stage 0-III) were assigned to BEAT Cancer PA intervention or usual care (i.e., PA-related written materials) Fatigue Symptom Inventory (11-point, Likert scale (0=best; 10=worst) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were assessed at baseline, 3 months (immediately post-intervention) and 6 months. Moderators (baseline value of each outcome, age, income, marital status, cancer stage, months since diagnosis, cancer treatment, body mass index [BMI], and comorbidities) were assessed at baseline (BMI measured on-site; remaining factors self-reported). This study is a post-hoc exploratory analysis using linear regression to test hypothesized moderators. RESULTS: Participants with baseline fatigue interference ≥3 experienced greater improvements in fatigue interference (p = .020; -1.35 vs. -.42 for interference <3). Those with a history of radiation experienced greater reductions in depressive symptomatology (p = .013; -1.53 vs. 0.08 if no history of radiation). Finally, participants with <2 comorbidities or BMI <30 experienced greater reductions in anxiety (p = .010; -1.97 vs. -.26 for ≥ 2 comorbidities and p = .033; -1.66 vs. -.33 for BMI ≥ 30, respectively). No statistically significant moderators of the intervention effects on fatigue intensity were found. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that BCS with higher baseline fatigue interference, history of radiation, <2 comorbidities, and BMI <30 may have a more favorable symptom response with a PA behavior change intervention. Future research is needed to identify etiologic mechanisms for lack of response (e.g., radiation therapy) and unmet needs of less responsive subgroups (e.g., multiple comorbidities, obesity).

Teach to Beat Cancer: An Integral Component of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center Youth Enjoy Science Program.

The Youth Enjoy Science -Teach To Beat Cancer program funded by the National Cancer Institute utilizes the resources of the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center to provide experiences and training for grade 6-12 teachers so that they are expertly equipped to develop curricular approaches to take back to their classrooms to enhance science education, introduce concepts of cancer biology, encourage cancer risk reduction activities, foster disparity elimination and to motivate middle and high school students to pursue careers in biomedical sciences and cancer research. The program focuses on four aspects of teacher engagement and education: 1) Research Engagement, 2) Curriculum Development, 3) Risk Reduction and Disparity Elimination, and 4) Advocacy for Cancer Research and Cancer Research Careers. This program has been crucial to achieve the National Cancer Institute's goal of educating students from diverse backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical research in the Cleveland area as each teacher influences a significant number of students in their classrooms each year, and are introducing students to cancer biology, exciting them to consider careers in cancer prevention, diagnosis, control, treatment, and research. This article provides an overview of the program including its impact on the teachers and their students.

"I Beat Cancer to Feel Sick:" Qualitative Experiences of Sleep Disturbance in Black Breast Cancer Survivors and Recommendations for Culturally Targeted Sleep Interventions.

Sleep disturbance is common and distressing among cancer survivors. Black breast cancer survivors (BBCS) suffer disproportionately from sleep disturbance, yet there is limited research on how to address this issue. This study aimed to understand the multifaceted experiences of sleep disturbance among BBCS and how to culturally target a mobile health (mHealth) intervention to improve sleep outcomes in BBCS. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in a purposive sample of 10 BBCS. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded for key barriers to sleep and potential solutions to incorporate into behavioral interventions using NVivo 12. Inductive applied thematic analysis techniques were employed to identify emergent themes. Ten BBCS (mean age = 54, SD = 10) described their experiences of sleep disturbance with themes including: (1) barriers to quality sleep (e.g., cancer worry, personal responsibilities), (2) psychosocial impacts of sleep disturbance (e.g., fatigue, distress), and (3) commonly used strategies to improve sleep. The second section discusses suggestions for developing mHealth interventions to improve sleep for BBCS including: (1) feedback on an existing mHealth intervention and (2) intervention topics suggested by BBCS. Our findings highlight the challenges associated with sleep disturbance in BBCS. Participants report culturally targeted mHealth interventions are needed for BBCS who experience chronic sleep disturbance that affects their overall quality of life. These interventions should address coping with sleep-related issues relevant to many breast cancer survivors and BBCS (e.g., sexual intimacy, fear of cancer recurrence) and should incorporate intervention strategies acceptable to BBCS (e.g., prayer, meditation).

Adapting MultiPLe behavior Interventions that eFfectively Improve (AMPLIFI) cancer survivor health: program project protocols for remote lifestyle intervention and assessment in 3 inter-related randomized controlled trials among survivors of obesity-related cancers

BackgroundScalable, multiple behavior change interventions are needed to address poor diet, inactivity, and excess adiposity among the rising number of cancer survivors. Efficacy-tested diet (RENEW) and exercise (BEAT Cancer) programs were adapted for web delivery among middle-aged and older cancer survivors for the AMPLIFI study, a National Cancer Institute-funded, multi-site, program project.MethodsThroughout the continental U.S., survivors of several obesity-related cancers are being recruited for three interconnected randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Projects 1 and 2 test 6-month diet or exercise interventions versus a wait-list control condition. Upon completion of the 6-month study period, the intervention participants receive the next behavior change sequence (i.e., diet receives exercise, exercise receives diet) and the wait-list control arm initiates a 12-month combined diet and exercise intervention. Project 3 tests the efficacy of the sequential versus simultaneous interventions. Assessments occur at baseline and semi-annually for up to 2-years and include: body mass index, health behaviors (diet quality, accelerometry-assessed physical activity/sleep), waist circumference, D3 creatine-assessed muscle mass, physical performance, potential mediators/moderators of treatment efficacy, biomarkers of inflammation and metabolic regulation, health care utilization, cost, and overall health. Four shared resources support AMPLIFI RCTs: 1) Administrative; 2) Adaptation, Dissemination and Implementation; 3) Recruitment and Retention; and 4) Assessment and Analysis.DiscussionRepresenting a new generation of RCTs, AMPLIFI will exclusively use remote technologies to recruit, intervene and assess the efficacy of the newly-adapted, web-based diet and exercise interventions and determine whether sequential or combined delivery works best for at-risk (older, rural, racial minority) cancer survivors.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04000880. Registered 27 June 2019.

A $1-Billion Boost to the NCI Will Help Us Beat Cancer

A $1-Billion Boost to the NCI Will Help Us Beat Cancer

Promoting Physical Activity in Rural Settings: Effectiveness and Potential Strategies.

Implementing efficacious physical activity interventions in real-world rural settings is needed because rural cancer survivors are more physically inactive and experience poorer health. To address this gap, this study evaluated effectiveness of an evidenced-based physical activity program (Better Exercise Adherence after Treatment for Cancer [BEAT Cancer]) for rural women cancer survivors when implemented by community-based, non-research staff. 16 rural women cancer survivors received BEAT Cancer implemented by a rural, community organization and non-research staff; physical activity, patient-reported outcomes, and social cognitive constructs were measured at baseline and post-program. Cancer survivors and interventionists completed program evaluations post-program. Cancer survivor mean age was 58±12 years; 62% were White. Mean months since diagnosis was 54±72; 69% had breast cancer. Significant improvements from pre- to post-program occurred for self-report weekly minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (mean change [M] = 146±186, p = 0.009), anxiety (M = -1.3±1.8, p = 0.016), depression (M = -2.1±2.0, p = 0.001), self-efficacy (M = 20.9±30.5, p = 0.019), barriers interference (M = -15.0±14.1, p = 0.001), and social support (M = 5.0±7.4, p = 0.02). Cancer survivors ranked the program highly, identified strategies that were helpful (e.g., group activities, personalized exercise plan, etc.), and suggested additional implementation strategies (e.g., guide for home-based phase, etc.). Interventionists identified strategies (e.g., logistics, staff training and certification, cost, etc.) for enhancing organizational readiness for program delivery. Evidence-based physical activity programs can be effective when implemented by non-research staff in rural settings. Further research testing strategies that improve implementation is needed. Effectiveness and identified strategies supporting delivery when implemented by a rural organization can improve physical activity promotion for rural, at-risk populations.

A roadmap for the early detection and diagnosis of cancer.

If we are to beat cancer, early detection and diagnosis are arguably the most effective means we have at our disposal. Progress during the past 40 years has transformed the prospects of people diagnosed with cancer in the UK, with survival doubling since the 1970s.1 However, further improvements are still greatly needed, because cancer remains the leading cause of death in the UK,2 with a stark projection of rising incidence to more than half a million cases per year by 2035.3 Patients diagnosed with cancer at an early stage have the best chance of curative treatment and long-term survival; for example, 57% of people with lung cancer survive their disease for 5 years or more when diagnosed at stage I compared with only 3% of those diagnosed at stage IV.

Metamaterial formalism approach for advancing the recognition of glioma areas in brain tissue biopsies

Early detection of a tumor makes it more probable that the patient will, finally, beat cancer and recover. The main goal of broadly defined cancer diagnostics is to determine whether a patient has a tumor, where it is located, and its histological type and severity. The major characteristic of the cancer affected tissue is the presence of the glioma cells in the sample. The current approach in diagnosis focuses mainly on microbiological, immunological, and pathological aspects rather than on the “metamaterial geometry” of the diseases. The determination of the effective properties of the biological tissue samples and treating them as disordered metamaterial media has become possible with the development of effective medium approximation techniques. Their advantage lies in their capability to treat the biological tissue samples as metamaterial structures, possessing the well-studied properties. Here, we present, for the first time to our knowledge, the studies on metamaterial properties of biological tissues to identify healthy and cancerous areas in the brain tissue. The results show that the metamaterial properties strongly differ depending on the tissue type, if it is healthy or unhealthy. The obtained effective permittivity values were dependent on various factors, like the amount of different cell types in the sample and their distribution. Based on these findings, the identification of the cancer affected areas based on their effective medium properties was performed. These results prove the metamaterial model capability in recognition of the cancer affected areas. The presented approach can have a significant impact on the development of methodological approaches toward precise identification of pathological tissues and would allow for more effective detection of cancer-related changes.

Budget poor, but outcomes rich: How to set up tele-assisted systems in a regional and rural cancer center.

4 Background: Tyranny of distance in Australia has motivated oncologists to try innovations in oncology care to improve cost efficiency, access, and compliance. This is often done with little budget availability as health funds are metrocentric. The aim is to bring novel approaches to utilisation of oncology care and show its applicability to most countries even with financial constraints. Methods: Mt Gambier Hospital is a regional hospital in South Eastern South Australia (SE SA). The data collected from clinics was commenced in January 2016, to gain knowledge of epidemiology of cancer in the region, and numbers of patients seen. Despite gold standard cancer care being performed in consultations which are face-to-face, we rolled out telemedicine consultations. We also, implemented a Survivorship Care Model, and entered into a Teletrials Project which sets up a regional trials centre with support from a tertiary hospital, Flinders Medical Centre. Results: Telemedicine has been made in Mt Gambier Hospital’s cancer service a part of every day practice to save patients from unnecessary travel. From January 2016, until May 2019, there were 812 consultations with nurse practitioner, 2542 consultations with consultant in clinic, and 246 telemedicine consultations. Survivorship clinic has been implemented according to South Australian Framework for Survivorship with no extra funding. Since 2017, 49 patients were seen with curative therapy. A re-alignment of appointment scheduling will see 6 patients in the next 2 months, thus increasing clinic potential. Teletrials Project was born from collaboration with Flinders Medical Centre, and gained funding by Beat Cancer South Australia. We are now entering into final stages of Governance agreement for our 1st trial, 18 months from commencing the project. Since then, we also got 2 more collaboration grants from Beat Cancer SA. Conclusions: With limited resources, regional cancer centres are able to maximise their patient outcomes by applying novel strategies. These novel ways of doing things, may be able to be implemented on either existing budgets or through collaboration with metropolitan cancer centres to attract financial grants to improve patient outcomes.

The relationship of pain and sleep disturbances in racially diverse breast cancer survivors – A therapeutic opportunity to improve quality of life in long-term survivorship

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Chronic pain is one of the key negative consequences of surviving cancer reported in breast cancer survivors (BCS) and is associated with increased mortality. Experimental and population-based studies suggest that sleep and pain are reciprocally related. The goal of this study was to assess the relationship of sleep and pain in African-American and Caucasian BCS and to evaluate race as a potential effect modifier. We examined in a post-hoc exploratory analysis the relationship of sleep (PSQI) and pain (SF-36) in BCS (25 African-Americans, 186 Caucasians; Stages 0-IIIA), who had enrolled in the BEAT Cancer study (Rogers LQ et al., 2012). 78% of Caucasian and 72% of African-American BCS reported persistent pain and pain-related disability (44%, 60%). African-American BCS presented with significantly higher pain intensity and more severe pain-related interference than Caucasians (P = .032, P = .002). 92% of Caucasians and 100% of African-American BCS reported sleep disturbances. There was a significant positive correlation between sleep disturbances and pain severity (p = .022), but the factors associated with sleep disturbance severity differed between racial groups. African-Americans reported significantly less sleep-duration than Caucasians (P = .001; 5.98 vs. 6.96 h). Pain interference was significantly associated with sleep-duration for Caucasians (P = .049), but not for African Americans. There is an association of chronic pain and sleep disturbances in BCS, and the relationship of specific sleep disturbances and pain is influenced by race. This correlation might provide an important therapeutic target to improve quality of life in racially diverse populations of BCS.

Return to the Sea, Get Huge, Beat Cancer: An Analysis of Cetacean Genomes Including an Assembly for the Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae).

Cetaceans are a clade of highly specialized aquatic mammals that include the largest animals that have ever lived. The largest whales can have ∼1,000× more cells than a human, with long lifespans, leaving them theoretically susceptible to cancer. However, large-bodied and long-lived animals do not suffer higher risks of cancer mortality than humans—an observation known as Peto’s Paradox. To investigate the genomic bases of gigantism and other cetacean adaptations, we generated a de novo genome assembly for the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) and incorporated the genomes of ten cetacean species in a comparative analysis. We found further evidence that rorquals (family Balaenopteridae) radiated during the Miocene or earlier, and inferred that perturbations in abundance and/or the interocean connectivity of North Atlantic humpback whale populations likely occurred throughout the Pleistocene. Our comparative genomic results suggest that the evolution of cetacean gigantism was accompanied by strong selection on pathways that are directly linked to cancer. Large segmental duplications in whale genomes contained genes controlling the apoptotic pathway, and genes inferred to be under accelerated evolution and positive selection in cetaceans were enriched for biological processes such as cell cycle checkpoint, cell signaling, and proliferation. We also inferred positive selection on genes controlling the mammalian appendicular and cranial skeletal elements in the cetacean lineage, which are relevant to extensive anatomical changes during cetacean evolution. Genomic analyses shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying cetacean traits, including gigantism, and will contribute to the development of future targets for human cancer therapies.

From “Beat Cancer” to “Apply to Graduate School”: How Goals Evolve During a 12-Month Period for Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) with a Cancer Diagnosis (SA510C)

From “Beat Cancer” to “Apply to Graduate School”: How Goals Evolve During a 12-Month Period for Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) with a Cancer Diagnosis (SA510C)

Measuring research impact: a large cancer research funding programme in Australia

BackgroundMeasuring research impact is of critical interest to philanthropic and government funding agencies interested in ensuring that the research they fund is both scientifically excellent and has meaningful impact into health and other outcomes. The Beat Cancer Project (BCP) is a AUD $34 m cancer research funding scheme that commenced in 2011. It was initiated by an Australian charity (Cancer Council SA), and supported by the South Australian Government and the state’s major universities.MethodsThis study applied Buxton and Hanney’s Payback Framework to assess research impact generated from the BCP after 3 years of funding. Data sources were an audit of peer-reviewed publications from January 2011 to September 2014 from Web of Knowledge and a self-report survey of investigators awarded BCP research funding during its first 3 years of implementation (2011–2013). Of the 104 surveys, 92 (88%) were completed.ResultsThe BCP performed well across all five categories of the Payback Framework. In terms of knowledge production, 1257 peer-reviewed publications were generated and the mean impact factor of publishing journals increased annually. There were many benefits to future research with 21 respondents (23%) reporting career advancement, and 110 higher degrees obtained or expected (including 84 PhDs). Overall, 52% of funded projects generated tools for future research. The funded research attracted substantial further income yielding a very high rate of leverage. For every AUD $1 that the cancer charity invested, the BCP gained an additional AUD $6.06. Five projects (5%) had informed policy and 5 (5%) informed product development, with an additional 31 (34%) and 35 (38%) projects, respectively, anticipating doing so. In terms of health and sector and broader economic benefits, 8 (9%) projects had influenced practice or behaviour of health staff and 32 (34%) would reportedly to do so in the future.ConclusionsResearch impact was a priority of charity and government funders and led to a deliberate funding strategy. Emphasising research impact while maintaining rigorous, competitive processes can achieve the joint objectives of excellence in research, yielding good research impact and a high rate of leverage for philanthropic and public investment, as indicated by these early results.

Physical Activity and Sleep Quality in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Trial.

Data from large randomized controlled trials confirming sleep quality improvements with aerobic physical activity have heretofore been lacking for post-primary treatment breast cancer survivors. Our primary purpose for this report was to determine the effects of a physical activity behavior change intervention, previously reported to significantly increase physical activity behavior, on sleep quality in post-primary treatment breast cancer survivors. Post-primary treatment breast cancer survivors (n = 222) were randomized to a 3-month physical activity behavior change intervention (Better Exercise Adherence after Treatment for Cancer [BEAT Cancer]) or usual care. Self-report (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]) and actigraphy (latency and efficiency) sleep outcomes were measured at baseline, 3 months (M3), and 6 months (M6). After adjusting for covariates, BEAT Cancer significantly improved PSQI global sleep quality when compared with usual care at M3 (mean between-group difference [M] = -1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -2.1 to -0.7, P < 0.001) and M6 (M = -1.0, 95% CI = -1.7 to -0.2, P = 0.01). BEAT Cancer improved several PSQI subscales at M3 (sleep quality M = -0.3, 95% CI = -0.4 to -0.1, P = 0.002; sleep disturbances M = -0.2, 95% CI = -0.3 to -0.03, P = 0.016; daytime dysfunction M = -0.2, 95% CI = -0.4 to -0.02, P = 0.027) but not M6. A nonsignificant increase in percent of participants classified as good sleepers occurred. No significant between-group difference was noted for accelerometer latency or efficiency. A physical activity intervention significantly reduced perceived global sleep dysfunction at 3 and 6 months, primarily because of improvements in sleep quality aspects not detected with accelerometer.

Can data &amp; AI beat cancer?

In this paper, we used the large and complex data sets that sequencing produces to achieve better patient treatment and diagnosis is problematic and demanding. So far, the healthcare sector has only scratched the surface - but this is changing thanks to the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

Effects of BEAT Cancer randomized physical activity trial on subjective memory impairments in breast cancer survivors

Effects of BEAT Cancer randomized physical activity trial on subjective memory impairments in breast cancer survivors

Social Cognitive Constructs Did Not Mediate the BEAT Cancer Intervention Effects on Objective Physical Activity Behavior Based on Multivariable Path Analysis.

Most breast cancer survivors do not meet physical activity recommendations. Understanding mediators of physical activity behavior change can improve interventions designed to increase physical activity in this at-risk population. Study aims were to determine the 3-month Better Exercise Adherence after Treatment for Cancer (BEAT Cancer) behavior change intervention effects on social cognitive theory constructs and the mediating role of any changes on the increase in accelerometer-measured physical activity previously reported. Post-treatment breast cancer survivors (N=222) were randomized to BEAT Cancer or usual care. Assessments occurred at baseline, 3months (M3), and 6months (M6). Adjusted linear mixed model analysis of variance determined intervention effects on walking self-efficacy, outcome expectations, goal setting, and perceived barrier interference at M3. Path analysis determined mediation of intervention effects on physical activity at M6 by changes in social cognitive constructs during the intervention (i.e., baseline to M3). BEAT Cancer significantly improved self-efficacy, goals, negative outcome expectations, and barriers. Total path analysis model explained 24% of the variance in M6 physical activity. There were significant paths from randomized intervention group to self-efficacy (β=0.15, p<.05) and barriers (β=-0.22, p<.01). Barriers demonstrated a borderline significant association with M6 physical activity (β=-0.24, p=.05). No statistically significant indirect effects were found. Although BEAT Cancer significantly improved social cognitive constructs, no significant indirect effects on physical activity improvements 3months post-intervention were observed (NCT00929617).