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Physical Activity Behaviors of Breast Cancer Survivors: the Diet Activity and Lifestyle (DiAL) Study (LB341)
Author(s) -
Kester Kelly,
Tangney Christy
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.28.1_supplement.lb341
Subject(s) - family history , breast cancer , medicine , interquartile range , guideline , recreation , cancer , physical activity , cancer survivor , gerontology , physical therapy , pathology , political science , law
A growing body of literature exists for physical activity (PA) participation as a risk reducing behavior after breast cancer diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to describe the amount and type of PA performed by breast cancer survivors, American Cancer Society (ACS) guideline awareness and risk perception. A sample of 89 breast cancer survivors completed a questionnaire about knowledge of ACS cancer prevention guidelines, perceived risk of breast cancer recurrence, and usual PA. Nearly 40% of participants were unsure of ACS guidelines. No difference in ACS guideline knowledge score (out of a possible 5 points) was observed between groups [family history, median or M (interquartile range or IQR) 4 (4,5); no family history 4 (3,5), p=0.54]. There was no difference in risk perception between family history groups (p=0.97), nor did PA behaviors differ (p=0.91). Reported PA was comprised mostly of work‐related activities [family history M (IQR) 58 (33, 79) MET‐hr/wk; no family history, 58 (32, 97)]. As compared to work PA which contributed 58 % of total PA, much less was reported for exercise (24 %) and recreation (6 %). Based on these findings, survivors appear to be uninformed about behaviors to adopt. Family history is not associated with greater awareness, greater perceived risk or preventive behaviors. Survivors partake in PA limited to work and do not seem to incorporate exercise and recreation activities.