Do Prostate Cancer Survivors Want To Receive Physical Activity Advice From Their Physicians?

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common male cancer in many countries. With advancements in both screening procedures and treatment options, men are living longer post-diagnosis. Physical activity (PA) is a modifiable behavior that can help improve both the physical and psychological health of PCa survivors during all stages of the PCa journey, from diagnosis through to survivorship.

PURPOSE: To identify if prostate cancer survivors want to receive PA advice from their physicians.

METHODS: Participants were 16 PCa survivors from Auckland, New Zealand, ranging in age from 57 to 88 years of age (71.3 ± 7.4 years). Time since diagnosis ranged from 1 to 17 years (6.5 ± 5.6 years). Six men were currently receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for their PCa, with their ADT treatment ranging between 1 and 17 years (5.3 ± 5.8 years). Participants were individually interviewed, and data were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach.

RESULTS: Three main themes were identified. Some men discussed how PA advice from their physician would have been useful post-treatment. Some men wanted to receive PA advice from an exercise professional and not a physician. There was also a recommendation for a specialized PA program for PCa survivors.

CONCLUSION: The PCa survivors in this study wanted to receive PA advice from either their physician or from an exercise specialist. In New Zealand, PA advice is generally not part of usual care practice for PCa survivors. With an increase in survivorship, there needs to be a greater focus from physicians and exercise specialists to support PCa survivors to determine and implement the most suitable type of PA based on stage and grade of PCa, post-diagnosis treatment and remission. Supported by Cancer Society New Zealand through a Prostate Cancer Young Investigator Scholarship.