Participation in sport and physical activity in head and neck cancer survivors: associations with quality of life

Background Head and neck cancer ( HNC ), and its treatment, is associated with significant side‐effects which can affect quality of life ( QOL ). Physical activity ( PA ) is known to improve a number of QOL measures. We aimed to determine the prevalence of PA pre‐ and post‐treatment of HNC and to determine associations with QOL . Methods A questionnaire‐based survey of 172 patients pre‐ and post‐treatment for HNC . Results A total of 62.2% of patients met current UK PA guidelines pre‐treatment, reducing to 40.1% following treatment. There was a significant decrease in Metabolic equivalent task minutes/week post‐treatment, with 71% of participants reporting less PA after diagnosis ( P < 0.001). Swimming and cycling remained the two most practiced sports. There was a positive correlation between the post‐treatment PA and QOL ( P < 0.001). Conclusion These data suggest that PA may improve QOL following treatment for HNC . We believe that further studies are warranted.