Study protocol for a nationwide questionnaire survey of physical activity among breast cancer survivors in Japan

IntroductionA major concern is that few cancer survivors meet the guidelines for recommended levels of physical activity. No studies have investigated physical activity among breast cancer survivors nationwide in Japan. Therefore, the aims of this study are to identify the levels of physical activity among breast cancer survivors, to examine factors-related physical activity among breast cancer survivors and to identify breast cancer survivors’ preferences for and interest in exercise programmes in order to inform the future programme development.Methods and analysisWe will administer a cross-sectional survey using a self-report questionnaire to breast cancer survivors. At each of 50 facilities selected to include a variety of institutional backgrounds according to the population distribution of different regions throughout Japan, we will consecutively distribute the questionnaire to 30 outpatients who have completed initial treatments, except for hormone therapy. The target sample size is 1500 survivors. We will calculate descriptive statistics for each measurement item and perform univariate and multivariate analyses using outcome measures (eg, physical activity and quality of life) related to physical, psychological, social and environmental factors.DiscussionThis is the first nationwide survey of physical activity levels among breast cancer survivors in Japan. Identifying the factors associated with physical activity will help us to develop, disseminate and implement programmes that encourage more survivors to adhere to physical activity guidelines.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the National Cancer Center on 11 January 2019 (ID: 2018–295). In addition, many of the participating facilities required ethical approval from their local IRBs, while others did not. Accordingly, approval from the local IRBs of individual facilities was obtained when required. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

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Determinants of Health and Physical Activity Levels Among Breast Cancer Survivors During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Frontiers in Physiology ◽

10.3389/fphys.2021.624169 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Aline Rachel Bezerra Gurgel ◽

Pedro Mingroni-Netto ◽

Jose Carlos Farah ◽

Christina May Moran de Brito ◽

Anna S. Levin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Public Transportation ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cancer Recurrence ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physical Activity Levels

Background: Increased exercise and physical activity levels are recommended throughout cancer therapy and survivorship. Nonetheless, the COVID-19 pandemic and consequent social distancing are likely to cause a decline in physical activity.Objective: to evaluate the level of unsupervised physical activity of breast cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the factors associated with difficulties in engaging and maintaining recommended physical activity levels.Methods: This is a cross-sectional epidemiological study with a sample of 37 breast cancer survivors. They participated in a canoeing training program (project Remama) at the University of São Paulo before the COVID-19 pandemic. Socioeconomic aspects, engagement in physical activity, motivation, and potential exposure to COVID-19 were investigated through an online survey, administered in September of 2020.Results: During the pandemic, participants increased their body weight (5 ± 3.4 kg); 90% reported decreasing physical activity levels associated with increased sedentary time. Twenty-one (58%) participants exhibited some COVID-19-related symptoms, most used public transportation (59%), or returned to work during the period of a high incidence of COVID-19. The only factor associated with perceived difficulty in engaging in physical activities was having had more than three cancer treatments (RR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.07–4.27).Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a group of previously active breast cancer survivors to decrease their physical activity, gain weight, and have sedentary behavior. Specific tailored-care interventions are needed to prevent these occurrences, as overweight and physical inactivity may impose an additional risk for breast cancer recurrence and a severe course of COVID-19 in cancer patients.

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Corrigendum: Determinants of Health and Physical Activity Levels Among Breast Cancer Survivors During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Frontiers in Physiology ◽

10.3389/fphys.2021.719688 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Aline Rachel Bezerra Gurgel ◽

Pedro Mingroni-Netto ◽

Jose Carlos Farah ◽

Christina May Moran de Brito ◽

Anna S. Levin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Determinants Of Health ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physical Activity Levels

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A Group Dynamics-Based Exercise Intervention to Improve Physical Activity Maintenance in Breast Cancer Survivors

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2018-0667 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (9) ◽

pp. 785-791

Author(s):

Heather J. Leach ◽

Katie B. Potter ◽

Mary C. Hidde

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Group Dynamics ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Exercise Intervention ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Group Cohesion ◽

Self Report

Background: To maintain increases in physical activity (PA), interventions that implement group dynamics principles and strategies with the intent of enhancing group cohesion may be advantageous. This study examined group cohesion and PA following a group dynamics-based PA intervention among breast cancer survivors. Methods: The study was designed as a pilot randomized controlled trial comparing an 8-week group dynamics-based intervention with an individually supervised intervention. Group cohesion was measured by the Physical Activity Group Environment Questionnaire, and PA was measured at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up using a self-report questionnaire and pedometer. Results: Group cohesion levels were high following the intervention and positively associated with PA at 3-month follow-up (ranger = .182–.555). At 3-month follow-up, 91.7% of participants in the group-dynamics-based intervention (n = 12) were classified as moderately active or greater, compared with 54.5% in the individually supervised intervention (n = 11). Conclusions: These results suggest that, for breast cancer survivors, peer support and fostering group cohesion as part of an exercise program may help to support PA following the completion of a structured intervention. A larger trial with longer follow-up is needed to establish comparative efficacy for a group-dynamics-based exercise intervention to enhance long-term PA adherence in breast cancer survivors.

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Breast Cancer Survivors’ Preferences and Barriers Related to ICT-Based Diet and Physical Activity Interventions

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzab051_011 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 967-967

Author(s):

X Chen ◽

C Chiu ◽

HT Cheung ◽

ME White ◽

X Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Intervention Program ◽

Exercise Intervention ◽

Mobile Apps ◽

Perceived Barriers ◽

Cancer Center ◽

Lifestyle Interventions

Abstract Objectives To establish the preferences and perceived barriers related to physical activity and diet programming of breast cancer survivors (BCS) to inform the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based lifestyle interventions. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 197 BSC aged 18 years or older and diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or Stage I-IV breast cancer. The BCS were recruited during routine oncology appointments at a Midwestern cancer center. A survey was conducted to query survivors’ level of interest in, preferences for, and perceived barriers to participating in an exercise and dietary intervention program, with a specific emphasis on ICT-based programming. Results Overall, 85% of BCS reported they would consider participating in exercise and diet intervention research. Approximately 45% of participants reported that they had received diet and/or exercise information as part of their cancer care. However, only 15% of the participants received such information from healthcare professionals with the appropriate expertise (e.g., Dietitian, Exercise Specialist). Over two-thirds of the participants reported frequent use of mobile devices and the internet, and 80% indicated comfort using these devices (e.g., tablet, smart phone). The top three preferred formats for an ICT-based diet and exercise intervention program were “website”, “mobile apps” and “e-mails”. Older participants (>60 years) were more likely to report a preference for e-mails while younger participants (<60 years) were more likely to report a preference for websites or mobile apps. The most common perceived barriers to participation in a lifestyle intervention included fatigue, family responsibility and work. Conclusions Most BCS in this study were interested in exercise and diet interventions and would be comfortable with an ICT-based format with a preference for delivery via websites, mobile apps or e-mails. Future ICT-based lifestyle interventions should be designed with consideration of BCS’ age, barriers, facilitators and other characteristics. Funding Sources USDA-NIFA Hatch Project 1,011,487

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Real-world experiences with acupuncture among breast cancer survivors: a cross-sectional survey study

Supportive Care in Cancer ◽

10.1007/s00520-020-05442-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 28 (12) ◽

pp. 5833-5838 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jacqueline Zayas ◽

Kathryn J. Ruddy ◽

Janet E. Olson ◽

Fergus J. Couch ◽

Brent A. Bauer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Real World ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Survey Study ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

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Physical Activity Adoption and Maintenance Among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Trial of Peer Mentoring

Annals of Behavioral Medicine ◽

10.1093/abm/kaab078 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Bernardine M Pinto ◽

Shira I Dunsiger ◽

Madison M Kindred ◽

Sheryl Mitchell

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Peer Support ◽

Text Messaging ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Self Report ◽

Phone Call ◽

Accelerometer Data ◽

Phone Calls

Abstract Background Peer support can extend the reach of physical activity (PA) interventions. In previous studies, peer support via weekly counseling calls increased PA at 3 and 6 months among breast cancer survivors, compared to contact control. However, effects were attenuated at 6 months. Interventions targeting PA maintenance among cancer survivors are limited. Hence, we extended prior work to identify effective PA maintenance interventions. Purpose Following a 3-month PA intervention, the study compared the effects of three 6-month interventions on PA at 12 months. Methods One hundred and sixty-one inactive breast cancer survivors participated in a 12-month randomized controlled trial. Intervention delivery was uniform for the first 3-months: all participants received a weekly call with their peer coach to encourage PA. Following month 3, participants self-monitored PA and received feedback reports (Reach Plus) or additionally received, a monthly phone call (Reach Plus Phone), or weekly text message (Reach Plus Message). Moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was measured using self-report (7 Day PAR) and accelerometry at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Results At 3 months, there were significant within group increases in self-reported and objectively measured MVPA with no between-group differences (ps > .05). At 6 months, adjusted longitudinal models showed that Reach Plus Message reported an additional 23.83 (SD = 6.33, f2 = .12) min/week of MVPA and Reach Plus Phone reported an additional 18.14 min/week (SD = 5.15, f2 =.16) versus Reach Plus. Results were similar at 9 months. At 12 months, Reach Plus Message and Reach Plus Phone both out-performed Reach Plus (ps = .04 and .05 respectively and effect sizes f2 = .11 and f2 = .21 respectively). Accelerometer data showed similar patterns: Reach Plus Message and Reach Plus Phone out-performed Reach Plus at 6 (f2 = .20) and 9 months (f2 = .09). Conclusion Phone calls from peer mentors and text messaging can support PA maintenance among breast cancer survivors. Clinical Trial information ClinicalTrials.Gov NCT02694640.

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Awareness of lymphedema risk management behaviors and associated factors among breast cancer survivors: Results from a cross-sectional survey

Annals of Medical Research ◽

10.5455/annalsmedres.2019.11.779 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 97 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sena Tolu ◽

Pelin Basim

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Risk Management ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Management Behaviors

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The Effects of Diet and Dietary Interventions on the Quality of Life among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Analysis and a Systematic Review of Experimental Studies

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers12020322 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 322 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Martina Barchitta ◽

Andrea Maugeri ◽

Roberta Magnano San Lio ◽

Annalisa Quattrocchi ◽

Flori Degrassi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

Dietary Interventions ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

High Consumption

There is an ongoing need for solid evidence about the effects of healthy behaviors, and particularly diet, on the quality of life (QoL) among breast cancer survivors. We first conducted a cross-sectional study on 68 Italian stage I-III breast cancer survivors, to investigate the association of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), physical activity and weight status with QoL. Adherence to MD and physical activity was assessed using structured questionnaires. QoL was assessed using the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life tools. We showed that low consumption of red meat and carbonated beverages, daily consumption of wine and high consumption of dishes seasoned with sofrito had beneficial effects on several QoL subscales. By contrast, using olive oil as the main culinary fat, low consumption of commercial sweets and high consumption of nuts were associated with negative effects. Overall, these findings resulted in a null effect of adherence to MD on QoL. Furthermore, we observed better QoL sub-scores among women who performed moderate physical activity (i.e., diarrhea) and those who were underweight/normal weight (i.e., physical functioning and dyspnea) if compared with their counterparts (p-values ≤ 0.003 after correction for multiple comparison). Next, we performed a systematic review of nine experimental studies to summarize whether dietary interventions might improve QoL among breast cancer patients. All the studies demonstrated significant improvements in overall QoL and/or its subscales after the interventions. However, differences in study design, interventions and tools used for QoL assessment did not allow us to provide an overall estimate. Moreover, only a single-arm trial evaluated the effect of an exclusive dietary-based intervention, while others combined dietary recommendations with physical activity and weight loss programs. For these reasons, our study encourages more efforts to improve the robustness of current evidence, through more homogenous tools, larger population-based studies and further randomized controlled trials.

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