Objectives
Patients with metastatic cancer can experience debilitating symptoms, which may influence attitudes towards and engagement in physical activity. This study aimed to examine the perceived barriers to physical activity among patients with metastatic prostate cancer.
Methods
Semi structured interviews were completed with male patients living with metastatic prostate cancer. Interviews included eight questions related to patients’ attitudes towards physical activity. Content analysis was conducted on the transcribed interview data. Ethical approval for this study was obtained for five Irish sites including AMNCH, St James’s Hospital, The Mater Hospital, Beaumont Hospital and St Luke’s Hospital.
Results
Twenty men with metastatic prostate cancer, (mean age 71 ± 8.5; BMI 30.19 ± 5.37) and associated bone metastases (55% with >2 regions affected) participated in the study. Barriers to engaging in physical activity were coded into three themes: 1) Physical barriers, 2) Psychological barriers 3) Environmental barriers. Barriers related mainly to a diagnosis of metastatic cancer and the side effects of cancer treatment including hormone therapy and chemotherapy. Symptoms of metastatic prostate cancer and treatment side-effects including pain and fatigue negatively influenced activity participation. In addition, many generic barriers to physical activity were described such as bad weather and a lack of suitable facilities for exercising in rural areas.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that men living with metastatic prostate cancer have unique needs regarding physical activity, related to symptoms of both their cancer and cancer treatment. Patients with metastatic prostate cancer should be encouraged to maintain/increase physical activity levels post-diagnosis. Given the individualised needs of this patient group, referral to a cancer exercise specialist should be considered for prescription of tailored physical activity programmes.
