Influence and Support for Childhood Cancer Survivors Participation in Physical Activity
Advisor Information
Timothy Dickson
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
4-3-2016 12:45 PM
End Date
5-3-2016 2:15 PM
Abstract
Background: Levels of physical activity (PA) in childhood cancer patients decrease during treatment and typically do not return to recommended levels after treatment cessation. Since PA can reduce latent cancer effects and improve quality of life post cancer treatment, it is important to understand the type of support childhood cancer survivors need to improve their PA levels post treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore childhood cancer survivor’s social support for PA during and after cancer treatment as well as the type of support they desired. Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with childhood cancer survivors (n=7). Survivors were female with a mean age of 21. Data were analyzed through the process of immersion/crystallization. Results: All participants noted a decrease in PA during treatment (n=7). After treatment, all participants expressed a desire to return back to “normal”, this including their pre-cancer PA levels. Participants reported support from parents (n=7), peers (n=4), physicians (n=4) and cancer oncology camps (n=5). Due to positive influences from parents and peers after treatment six survivors gradually returned to their previous PA levels. A majority (n=5) of participants desired an avenue to develop support networks with other childhood cancer survivors. Over half (n=4) desired further support from physicians and peers at school. Conclusion: Survivors expressed that they had support for PA but desired more. Future research should explore the impact of physician support for PA as well as offering PA support groups for childhood cancer survivors.
Influence and Support for Childhood Cancer Survivors Participation in Physical Activity
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Background: Levels of physical activity (PA) in childhood cancer patients decrease during treatment and typically do not return to recommended levels after treatment cessation. Since PA can reduce latent cancer effects and improve quality of life post cancer treatment, it is important to understand the type of support childhood cancer survivors need to improve their PA levels post treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore childhood cancer survivor’s social support for PA during and after cancer treatment as well as the type of support they desired. Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with childhood cancer survivors (n=7). Survivors were female with a mean age of 21. Data were analyzed through the process of immersion/crystallization. Results: All participants noted a decrease in PA during treatment (n=7). After treatment, all participants expressed a desire to return back to “normal”, this including their pre-cancer PA levels. Participants reported support from parents (n=7), peers (n=4), physicians (n=4) and cancer oncology camps (n=5). Due to positive influences from parents and peers after treatment six survivors gradually returned to their previous PA levels. A majority (n=5) of participants desired an avenue to develop support networks with other childhood cancer survivors. Over half (n=4) desired further support from physicians and peers at school. Conclusion: Survivors expressed that they had support for PA but desired more. Future research should explore the impact of physician support for PA as well as offering PA support groups for childhood cancer survivors.