Clinical and behavioural correlates of physical activity among breast cancer survivors

The aim of a study that was published this week in the journal Supportive Care in Cancer  (with Caroline Kampshoff as first author) was to identify demographic, clinical, psychosocial, and environmental correlates of objectively assessed physical activity among breast cancer survivors. Information about such correlates can inform future interventions to promote physical activity in
cancer survivors, which has been shown to improve quality of life and reduce complaints about fatigue among cancer survivors.
For this study we analysed data from 574 female breast cancer survivors who participated in three different intervention studies. Study participants were aged ≥18 years and had completed primary cancer treatment. Physical activity was objectively assessed by accelerometers or pedometers. Participants completed self-reported questionnaires on demographic, psychosocial, and environmental factors. Information regarding clinical factors was obtained from medical records or patient self-report.
Older age, higher body mass index, lower self-efficacy, and less social support were significantly correlated with less physical activity.