Purpose
Oncological exercise therapy (OET) can enhance physical function and psychosocial well-being of cancer patients. Despite this, OET is still not routinely implemented in cancer care. To address this gap, our study analyzes cancer patients’ perspectives on facilitators and barriers for OET participation.
Methods
This qualitative study employed semi-structured focus groups and was conducted within the IMPLEMENT research consortium. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using framework analysis.
Results
Thirty cancer patients (mean age 57 ± 7 years; 53% women) participated, and most were diagnosed with breast cancer (20%), lymphoma or leukemia (20%), or pancreatic cancer (13%). Participants reported being motivated to become physically active, even when no OET was available. However, they received limited information about physical activity (PA), specifically about OET. They also felt there was a lack of OET offers from healthcare providers. Participation could be increased by improved accessibility involving informational and structural factors, fostering adherence by higher perceived safety and self-efficacy, and by providing individually tailored and low-threshold information for patients.
Conclusion
OET could be a valuable opportunity to support patients throughout their cancer trajectory. To increase participation and promote PA uptake, individually tailored support should be provided in terms of personalized guidance by healthcare practitioners and easily accessible OET offers.