TITLE:
Physical activity engagement after breast cancer: Advancing the health of survivors
AUTHORS:
S. Y. Loh, S. L. Chew, K. F. Quek
KEYWORDS:
Cancer Control; Physical Activity; Breast Cancer; Public Health; Rehabilitation
JOURNAL NAME:
Health,
Vol.5 No.5,
May
27,
2013
ABSTRACT: Background: Physical
inactivity is identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality
and associated with increased breast cancer diagnosis and risks of recurrence.
Objectives: To investigate the level of physical activity engagement after
breast cancer in survivors and healthy controls. Design: A descriptive casecontrol
study on survivors and matched (ethnic, gender, age) healthy controls was
surveyed using a pre-post questionnaire and a 1-minute cancer control
media. The socio- and medical demographic data, physical activity status information
were obtained from self report questionnaires. Results: Breast cancer survivors
(n = 51) were found to participate in low-moderate level of physical activity
while healthy controls (n = 45) participated in moderate-vigorous level of physical activity. Healthy adults reported more barriers and excuses but all
participants (90% survivors and control) were unaware of the strong inverse
relationship between level of physical activity and risks of cancer recurrence.
The post test on video showed an increased awareness and intention to
re-engagement in physical activity for cancer control (M = 7.1 ± 1.53, p