Telephone, print, and Web-based interventions for physical activity, diet, and weight control among cancer survivors: a systematic review

[Encouragement of adapted physical activity for three months after the end of treatment in patients with head and neck cancer: A pre-post interventional study]

CONTEXT

In our institution, patients with upper aero-digestive tract cancer receive adapted physical activity (APA) awareness training as part of their holistic oncology care program. The main aim of this study was to show that raising awareness of APA helped to increase self-reported PA levels, as assessed by questionnaire.

METHOD

This retrospective study included 67 patients with localized Head and Neck cancer. The intervention consisted of an APA teacher; a face-to-face consultation before the start of oncological treatment, four monthly telephone interventions in the three months following the end of treatment. The pre-post evaluation focused on self-reported APA practices before and three months after the end of oncology treatment.

RESULTS

APA awareness training significantly increased average total PA, average moderate PA intensity, average weekly walking frequency, average walking intensity, and significantly reduced daily sitting time. The search for correlations between body composition or type of treatments and changes in PA levels showed no significant results.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that a basic APA awareness training integrated into a holistic oncology care program could increase patients' self-reported PA levels. The next step will be to verify the objectivity of the increase in self-reported PA, and then to assess its effect on quality of life and survival.

Effects of internet-based digital health interventions on the physical activity and quality of life of colorectal cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The recent trend of Internet-based digital health interventions has driven researchers to implement them to promote physical activity (PA) and improve patients' health outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effects of Internet-based digital health interventions on PA and quality of life (QoL) in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors.

METHODS

We searched for relevant studies investigating the effects of internet-based digital health interventions published until Dec. 2022 in electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and CEPS) according to PRISMA guidelines. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist was used to examine the quality of the included studies. We performed the fixed and random effects model for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Among 746 identified studies, eight published between 2018 and 2022 were included. These covered 991 internet-based digital health interventions and 875 controls. After 6 months of internet-based digital health interventions, CRC survivors' performance in PA (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.09-0.38) and QoL (SMD = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.01-0.22) indicators improved significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Internet-based digital health improved the PA behaviour and QoL of patients with CRC. Because of differences in intervention outcomes, additional randomized controlled trials are warranted to provide suggestions for clinical practice. Internet-based digital health interventions are promising for promoting PA in CRC survivors.

Designing viable, durable physical activity programs for cancer survivors: reflections from program participants and organizational leaders

PURPOSE

Despite recommendations for cancer survivors to participate in routine physical activity (PA), offering programs that fit both survivors' needs and sponsoring organizations' resources remains a challenge. The purpose of this study is to explore the perspectives of cancer survivors and organizational stakeholders with the intent of developing PA peer-led programs that organizations can implement into their programming.

METHODS

This study explored cancer survivors' (n = 11) and cancer care organizational stakeholders' (n = 27) perspectives on the design and feasibility of PA programs targeted for cancer survivors. Semi-structured interview guides were developed for survivors and stakeholders; interviews lasted approximately 30 min. Two analysts used a thematic analysis approach and independently conducted a line-by-line coding of each transcript. With guidance from a senior analyst, the codes were collapsed into themes and subthemes.

RESULTS

The qualitative analysis of the interview data resulted in seven major themes relating to PA program development and success. Survivor-related themes included the following: (1) developing PA programs based on cancer survivors' characteristics and experiences; (2) perceived value and importance of accessible, face-to-face instruction; (3) ensuring success based on physical abilities and limitations of the survivor; and (4) the value of physician recommendation for PA participation. Organization-related themes included the following: (1) incorporating participant and community input into program offerings; (2) program feasibility and sustainability; (3) incorporating organizational experience when adopting new program initiatives.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the challenges of developing viable PA programs for cancer survivors and may guide organizations in future program development and implementation.

Long-term efficacy of a computer-tailored physical activity intervention for prostate and colorectal cancer patients and survivors: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) can improve the physical and psychological health of prostate and colorectal cancer survivors, but PA behavior change maintenance is necessary for long-term health benefits. OncoActive is a print- and web-based intervention in which prostate and colorectal cancer patients and survivors receive automatically generated, personalized feedback aimed at integrating PA into daily life to increase and maintain PA. We evaluated the long-term outcomes of OncoActive by examining the 12-month follow-up differences between OncoActive and a control group, and we explored whether PA was maintained during a 6-month non-intervention follow-up period.

METHODS

Prostate or colorectal cancer patients were randomly assigned to an OncoActive (n = 249) or a usual care waitlist control group (n = 229). OncoActive participants received PA advice and a pedometer. PA outcomes (i.e., ActiGraph and self-report moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) min/week and days with ≥30 min PA) and health-related outcomes (i.e., fatigue, depression, physical functioning) were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Differences between groups and changes over time were assessed with multilevel linear regressions for the primary outcome (ActiGraph MVPA min/week) and all additional outcomes.

RESULTS

At 12 months, OncoActive participants did not perform better than control group participants at ActiGraph MVPA min/week, self-report MVPA min/week, or ActiGraph days with PA. Only self-report days with PA were significantly higher in OncoActive compared to the control group. For health-related outcomes only long-term fatigue was significantly lower in OncoActive. When exploratively examining PA within OncoActive, the previously found PA effects at the end of the intervention (6 months follow-up) were maintained at 12 months. Furthermore, all PA outcomes improved significantly from baseline to 12 months. The control group showed small but non-significant improvements from 6 months to 12 months (and from baseline to 12 months), resulting in a decline of differences between groups.

CONCLUSION

The majority of previously reported significant between-group differences at 6 months follow-up were no longer present at long-term follow-up, possibly because of natural improvement in the control group. At long-term follow-up, fatigue was significantly lower in OncoActive compared to control group participants. Computer-tailored PA advice may give participants an early start toward recovery and potentially contributes to improving long-term health.

Determinants of physical activity maintenance and the acceptability of a remote coaching intervention following supervised exercise oncology rehabilitation: a qualitative study

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to investigate perceived determinants of physical activity (PA) maintenance following supervised exercise oncology rehabilitation and the acceptability of a remote coaching intervention during this period.

METHODS

A phenomenological qualitative study with semi-structured interviews was conducted. Nineteen participants (16 women, 3 men) were recruited from the intervention (n = 12) and control group (n = 7) of a randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of remote coaching following hospital-based, supervised exercise oncology rehabilitation. Participants in the intervention group received a 6-month remote coaching intervention after completing the exercise program, aimed at stimulating PA maintenance. The interviews were based on the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation model of Behaviour (COM-B model) and the framework of acceptability (TFA) and were coded using template analysis.

RESULTS

Key themes regarding determinants of PA maintenance were self-efficacy, PA habits, accountability, physical complaints, and facilities. Remote coaching was perceived acceptable because it stimulated PA maintenance by offering a source of structure and social support and thereby increased accountability. Moreover, it improved confidence to perform PA, leading to increased levels of self-efficacy. The remote nature of the intervention was perceived as convenient by some of the participants, while others would have preferred additional physical appointments.

CONCLUSIONS

Cancer survivors considered remote coaching acceptable to stimulate PA maintenance following supervised rehabilitation. Interventions should focus on increasing accountability, self-efficacy, forming habits, and helping cancer survivors to overcome barriers.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

The ability to maintain PA beyond supervised exercise oncology programs depends on many determinants. Remote coaching interventions have potential to target individually relevant determinants following exercise programs in cancer survivors.

Identifying the effective behaviour change techniques in nutrition and physical activity interventions for the treatment of overweight/obesity in post-treatment breast cancer survivors: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Updated evidence for the treatment of obesity in cancer survivors includes behavioural lifestyle interventions underpinning at least one theoretical framework. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of theory-based lifestyle interventions for the treatment of overweight/obesity in breast cancer survivors and to report effective behavioural change techniques (BCTs) and components used in these interventions.

METHODS

Four databases were searched for RCTs published between database inception and July 2022. The search strategy included MeSH terms and text words, using the PICO-framework to guide the eligibility criteria. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Risk-of-bias, TIDier Checklist for interventions' content, and the extent of behaviour change theories and techniques application were assessed. To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, trials were categorised as "very," "quite," or "non" promising according to their potential to reduce body weight, and BCTs promise ratios were calculated to assess the potential of BCTs within interventions to decrease body weight.

RESULTS

Eleven RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Seven trials were classified as "very", three as "quite" and one study was "non" promising. Studies' size, design, and intervention strategies varied greatly, but the weight-loss goal in all studies was ≥ 5% of the initial body weight through a 500-1000 kcal/day energy deficit and a gradually increased exercise goal of ≥ 30 min/day. Social Cognitive Theory was the most commonly used theory (n = 10). BCTs ranged from 10 to 23 in the interventions, but all trials included behaviour goal setting, self-monitoring, instructions on the behaviour, and credible source. The risk-of-bias was "moderate" in eight studies and "high" in three.

CONCLUSION

The present systematic review identified the components of theory-based nutrition and physical activity behaviour change interventions that may be beneficial for the treatment of overweight/obesity in breast cancer survivors. The strategies mentioned, in addition to reported behavioural models and BCTs, should be considered when developing weight-loss interventions for breast cancer survivors.

Physical activity maintenance among young adult cancer survivors in an mHealth intervention: Twelve-month outcomes from the IMPACT randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Most physical activity (PA) interventions in young adult cancer survivors (YACS) have focused on short-term outcomes without evaluating longer-term outcomes and PA maintenance. This study examined the effects of an mHealth PA intervention at 12 months, after 6 months of tapered contacts, relative to a self-help group among 280 YACS.

METHODS

YACS participated in a 12-month randomized trial that compared self-help and intervention groups. All participants received an activity tracker, smart scale, individual videochat session, and access to a condition-specific Facebook group. Intervention participants also received lessons, tailored feedback, adaptive goal setting, text messages, and Facebook prompts for 6 months, followed by tapered contacts. Accelerometer-measured and self-reported PA (total [primary outcome], moderate-to-vigorous [MVPA], light, steps, sedentary behaviors) were collected at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Generalized estimating equation analyses evaluated group effects on outcomes from baseline to 12 months.

RESULTS

From baseline to 12 months, there were no between- or within-group differences in accelerometer-measured total PA min/week, while increases in self-reported total PA were greater in the intervention versus self-help group (mean difference = +55.8 min/week [95% CI, 6.0-105.6], p = 0.028). Over 12 months, both groups increased accelerometer-measured MVPA (intervention: +22.5 min/week [95% CI, 8.8-36.2] vs. self-help: +13.9 min/week [95% CI, 3.0-24.9]; p = 0.34), with no between-group differences. Both groups maintained accelerometer-measured and self-reported PA (total, MVPA) from 6 to 12 months. At 12 months, more intervention participants reported meeting national PA guidelines than self-help participants (47.9% vs. 33.1%, RR = 1.45, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

The intervention was not more effective than the self-help group at increasing accelerometer-measured total PA over 12 months. Both groups maintained PA from 6 to 12 months. Digital approaches have potential for promoting sustained PA participation in YACS, but additional research is needed to identify what strategies work for whom, and under what conditions.

Can people living with and beyond colorectal cancer make lifestyle changes with the support of health technology: A feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Rates of cancer survival are increasing, with more people living with and beyond cancer. Lifestyle recommendations for cancer survivors are based largely on extrapolation from cancer prevention recommendations. This feasibility study was designed to investigate diet and physical activity variables linked to primary prevention and digital behaviour change interventions in cancer survivors and delivered by an oncology dietitian to plan for future research.

METHODS

In this 2-month feasibility study, participants who had completed treatment for colorectal cancer were invited to complete online food diaries, underwent physical activity assessment, attended fortnightly telephone consultations with an oncology dietitian and completed an evaluation form. The baseline food diaries were used to help participants pick two lifestyle changes to focus on throughout the intervention. Demographic and clinical data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

In total, 996 patients were screened for eligibility; of these, 78 were eligible to approach and 69 were approached, resulting in 20 participants consenting to take part. Overall, the intervention was acceptable with 65% of participants completing an online food diary and 70% engaging with the dietitian over the telephone. The intervention received good feedback, with 100% of those completing the evaluation form reporting they felt supported and found it helpful.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study offers preliminary evidence that a lifestyle intervention delivered by an oncology dietitian using digital behaviour change interventions (DBCIs) to cancer survivors is feasible and accepted by participants and providers.

User evaluation of a mobile education application for the management of metabolic syndrome among cancer survivors

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop a smartphone education application for managing metabolic syndrome among cancer survivors and obtain user evaluation based on quantitative and qualitative data.

METHODS

Ten cancer survivors and 10 oncology nurse specialists responded to a structured usability evaluation tool (Mobile Application Rating Scale: MARS). Quantitative data analysis was performed through descriptive statistics using SPSS version 25.0. We conducted semi-structured interviews of the cancer survivors and oncology nurse specialists. Qualitative data of interview responses were coded as the app's strengths and weaknesses, information, motivation, and behavioral change.

RESULTS

The overall usability evaluation score of the app was 3.66 ± 0.39 for cancer survivors and 3.79 ± 0.20 for oncology nurse specialists. Both cancer survivors and oncology nurse specialists scored the area of functionality as the highest and engagement as the lowest. Additionally, the qualitative usability evaluation suggested that the app should be visually improved by including figures and tables to enhance readability and providing videos and more specific guidelines to directly elicit behavioral change.

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolic syndrome in cancer survivors can be effectively managed by using the educational application developed in this study by improving the shortcomings of the app for cancer survivors.

Feasibility of Investigational Procedures and Efficacy of a Personalized Omega-3 Dietary Intervention in Alleviating Pain and Psychoneurological Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer survivors (BCS) are at risk for psychoneurological symptoms (PNS) and inflammation for years following cancer treatment. Fish, particularly salmon, provides a rich source of omega-3 long chain fatty acids (omega-3LC), which has an anti-inflammatory effect. However, the benefit of omega-3LC on PNS is not well-known.

AIMS

This study evaluated the feasibility and the initial efficacy of a personalized meal plan with dietary omega-3LC in reducing PNS.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized controlled trial design (n = 46) was used to evaluate the feasibility of a personalized meal plan using two omega-3LC dose levels (high and low omega-3LC) in reducing PNS including pain, depression, fatigue, sleep, and stress.

RESULTS

The recruitment rate was 4.9% with overall retention rate of 74% and 67.1% adherence to personalized meal plan and dietary procedures. Of participants who completed the investigation, 94% completed fish adherence logs and consumed ≥70% of the assigned quantity of fish. Saliva collection was 97.8% at baseline and 100% at follow-up. BCS in the high omega-3LC group had a significant decrease in pain (p < .01), perceived stress (p < .05), sleep (p < .001), depression (p < .001), and fatigue (p < .01) over the course of intervention. There were trends of PNS improvement in the low omega-3LC group but the differences did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Our results support the feasibility of our investigational design, procedures, and intervention. The outcomes provide preliminary support for an expanded research effort using fish as a source of omega-3LC and personalized dietary planning as a vehicle for symptom self-management in BCS.

Behavior change techniques in digital physical activity interventions for breast cancer survivors: a systematic review

Given the broad benefits of physical activity (PA) but low PA levels among breast cancer survivors (i.e., women who have received a breast cancer diagnosis), innovative and evidence-based techniques are needed to motivate and support exercise. This study systematically reviews the use of behavior change techniques (BCTs) in digital PA interventions for breast cancer survivors. Studies were retrieved from five electronic databases and were included if they (i) sampled exclusively female breast cancer survivors aged >18 years, (ii) involved a digital intervention with the primary purpose of increasing PA, (iii) included a BCT component, (iv) used a randomized or quasi-randomized design, and (v) were published from January 2000 to May 2022. Two coders independently extracted data. Twenty primary studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. All interventions used at least one BCT (mean 4 ± 1, range 2-13); self-monitoring (85%) and goal setting (79%) were the most common BCTs. Twelve of 20 (60%) studies reported improvements in PA behavior in the intervention vs. control group, and self-monitoring and goal setting were the most commonly used BCTs in these studies. Of the 93 total BCTs, 66 were not used in any interventions in the review, including critical constructs for PA behavior change (e.g., biofeedback). BCTs, important facilitators of PA behavior change, are being underutilized in digital PA interventions for breast cancer survivors. Future research should incorporate more diverse BCTs to explore if they can add to the effectiveness of digital interventions for this population.

Telehealth multicomponent exercise and health education in breast cancer patients undergoing primary treatment: rationale and methodological protocol for a randomized clinical trial (ABRACE: Telehealth)

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines emphasize cancer patients should increase their physical activity levels, encouraging physical exercise practice as a complementary therapy to mitigate adverse effects during treatment. Telehealth can be a feasible method to improve adherence and interventional support for breast cancer patients, of which most do not meet sufficient physical activity levels after diagnosis. The Adaptations to Breast Cancer and Exercise Using Telehealth (ABRACE: Telehealth) study aims to investigate the effects of a 12-week telehealth multicomponent training program plus a health education program (MTHE), compared to a health education program alone (HE), on physical and psychological outcomes in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment.

METHODS

This study is a randomized controlled trial. Women undergoing primary treatment (during or after chemotherapy) for breast cancer (stages I-III) will be randomly assigned to MTHE (twice a week) or HE (once a week). MTHE components are mobility, aerobic, balance, resistance, and flexibility home-based exercises, supervised by video call. The primary study outcome is cancer-related fatigue. The secondary outcomes are quality of life, symptoms of depression and anxiety, physical activity level, cancer-related cognitive impairment, and functional capacity. Other outcomes are adherence to interventions and a follow-up questionnaire evaluating the individual perception in motivation, lifestyle changes, and main barriers to participation. All outcomes will be remotely assessed before and after intervention. Our analysis will follow the intention-to-treat approach and per-protocol criteria, with additional sub-group analysis.

DISCUSSION

To our knowledge, this is the first randomized clinical trial in breast cancer patients using a face-to-face videoconference strategy to supervise physical exercise. Our hypothesis is of superiority for the effects of MTHE on primary and secondary outcomes compared to the effects of only the health education intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Adaptations to Breast Cancer and Exercise Using Telehealth (ABRACE: Telehealth), NCT04641377. Registered on 23 November 2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04641377.

Modality preferences for health behaviour interventions for post-treatment cancer survivors: a theoretical investigation

PURPOSES

User preferences for how programs are delivered are an important consideration when developing healthy living interventions. The aim of this study was to investigate (a) if cancer survivors prefer telephone or internet delivery for a healthy living intervention and (b) what factors were associated with delivery preference.

METHODS

Australian cancer survivors (18 + years) were invited to complete an online or hardcopy cross-sectional survey measuring social and clinical demographic factors and validated measures of self-efficacy, health literacy, and social support.

RESULTS

Of the 168 respondents, the majority were female (n = 147, 92%) and breast cancer survivors (n = 122, 80%) and preferred internet delivery (n = 109, 65%). Participants who preferred internet delivery had a longer time since diagnosis (M = 9.85 years, SD = 8.20) compared to those who preferred telephone (M = 6.80 years, SD = 5.54), p = .03. However, logistic regression analyses demonstrated that no other variables (age, gender, socio-economic status, BMI, education, self-efficacy, health literacy, nor social support) had a direct association on delivery preference.

CONCLUSIONS

Cancer survivors appear to prefer internet delivery to telephone, particularly for those further along the survivorship trajectory. Future intervention development should therefore consider the internet modality for delivering accessible health interventions and offer the program to long-term cancer survivors. Whether these findings are replicable in the current post-pandemic phase is an important avenue for future research.

Development of an evidence-based educational resource in oncology: 'Living safely with bone metastases'

Objective

To create an evidence-based patient education resource to better support cancer patients with bone metastases in carrying out safe movements during activities of daily living, to maintain their bone health and reduce the risk of fractures.

Methods

A quality improvement project was conducted in three phases: Development of the Resource, Preliminary Feedback and Revision, and French Canadian Translation.

Results

The educational resource Living Safely with Bone Metastases focuses on safe movement, activities of daily living, and exercise, organized within the sections Move with care, Stay safe in different environments and Follow an exercise program prescribed by a physiotherapist. Translation yielded a Canadian French version Vivre en toute sécurité avec des métastases osseuses.

Conclusion

Living Safely with Bone Metastases is an accessible online and paper resource for patients and healthcare professionals, in order to promote ongoing disease management of individuals with bone metastases.

Innovation

Cancer patients with bone metastases are at high risk of pathological fractures however resources on fracture prevention are lacking. Living Safely with Bone Metastases is an innovative health education resource that fills an important gap in oncology practice and has the potential to reduce the occurrence of fractures.

Standardization of the assessment process within telerehabilitation in chronic diseases: a scoping meta-review

Background

Telerehabilitation (TR) interventions are receiving increasing attention. They have been evaluated in various scientific areas through systematic reviews. However, there is a lack of data on how to standardize assessment and report on their domains to guide researchers across studies and bring together the best evidence to assess TR for chronic diseases.

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to identify domains of assessment in TR and to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze how and when they are examined to gain an overview of assessment in chronic disease.

Methods

A scoping meta-review was carried out on 9 databases and gray literature from 2009 to 2019. The keyword search strategy was based on "telerehabilitation", “evaluation", “chronic disease" and their synonyms. All articles were subjected to qualitative analysis using the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Core Model prior to further analysis and narrative synthesis.

Results

Among the 7412 identified articles, 80 studies met the inclusion criteria and addressed at least one of the noncommunicable diseases (NCD) categories of cardiovascular disease (cardiovascular accidents), cancer, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes, and obesity. Regarding the domains of assessment, the most frequently occurring were “social aspect” (n = 63, 79%) (e.g., effects on behavioral changes) and “clinical efficacy” (n = 53, 66%), and the least frequently occurring was “safety aspects” (n = 2, 3%). We also identified the phases of TR in which the assessment was conducted and found that it most commonly occurred in the pilot study and randomized trial phases and least commonly occurred in the design, pretest, and post-implementation phases.

Conclusions

Through the HTA model, this scoping meta-review highlighted 10 assessment domains which have not been studied with the same degree of interest in the recent literature. We showed that each of these assessment domains could appear at different phases of TR development and proposed a new cross-disciplinary and comprehensive method for assessing TR interventions. Future studies will benefit from approaches that leverage the best evidence regarding the assessment of TR, and it will be interesting to extend this assessment framework to other chronic diseases.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08370-y.

Efficacy of Group Exercise-Based Cancer Rehabilitation Delivered via Telehealth (TeleCaRe): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Access to rehabilitation to support cancer survivors to exercise is poor. Group exercise–based rehabilitation may be delivered remotely, but no trials have currently evaluated their efficacy.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a group exercise–based cancer rehabilitation program delivered via telehealth compared to usual care for improving the quality of life of cancer survivors.

Methods

A parallel, assessor-blinded, pragmatic randomized controlled trial with embedded cost and qualitative analysis will be completed. In total, 116 cancer survivors will be recruited from a metropolitan health network in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The experimental group will attend an 8-week, twice-weekly, 60-minute exercise group session supervised via videoconferencing supplemented by a web-based home exercise program and information portal. The comparison group will receive usual care including standardized exercise advice and written information. Assessments will be completed at weeks 0 (baseline), 9 (post intervention), and 26 (follow-up). The primary outcome will be health-related quality of life measured using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire at week 9. Secondary measures include walking capacity (6-minute walk test), physical activity (activPAL accelerometer), self-efficacy (Health Action Process Approach Questionnaire), and adverse events. Health service data including hospital length of stay, hospital readmissions, and emergency department presentations will be recorded. Semistructured interviews will be completed within an interpretive description framework to explore the patient experience. The primary outcome will be analyzed using linear mixed effects models. A cost-effectiveness analysis will also be performed.

Results

The trial commenced in April 2022. As of June 2022, we enrolled 14 participants.

Conclusions

This trial will inform the future implementation of cancer rehabilitation by providing important data about efficacy, safety, cost, and patient experience.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12621001417875; https://tinyurl.com/yc5crwtr

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/38553

Telerehabilitation physical exercise for patients with lung cancer through the course of their disease: A systematic review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Evidence is shown for the benefits of physical activity, for patients with lung cancer, at different times through the course of the disease. Telerehabilitation can overcome some of barriers often met by patients to practice physical activity. The objective of this systematic review is to assess feasibility and safety of telerehabilitation for patients with lung cancer, its effects on physical capacity, quality of life, symptoms severity, depression and anxiety, survival, lung function, post-operative outcomes, dyspnoea and body composition. Secondary aim was to distinguish the telerehabilitation efficacy between the different phases of the disease.

DATA SOURCE AND SELECTION CRITERIA

Pubmed, PEDro, Scopus, ScienceDirect, randomized controlled trials and non-randomized controlled trials, written in French or English, of telerehabilitation among patients with lung cancer.

RESULTS

Eight studies were included. Telerehabilitation is safe but was characterized by a low recruitment and attendance rate (<70%). It enhances quality of life, muscle mass, depression and anxiety but it does not improve physical capacity (except in preoperative period), symptoms severity, survival, lung function or dyspnoea. After surgery, it ameliorates quality of life, depression and anxiety. During systemic treatments of lung cancer, it improves quality of life, symptoms severity and muscle mass.

CONCLUSION

Telerehabilitation could be proposed in patients with lung cancer as a complementary intervention of hospital-based programme to increase physical activity volume, compliance and self-efficacy. In case the classic programmes are not possible, it could also be an alternative approach for patients unable to participate to a hospital or community-based training programme.

American Cancer Society nutrition and physical activity guideline for cancer survivors

The overall 5-year relative survival rate for all cancers combined is now 68%, and there are over 16.9 million survivors in the United States. Evidence from laboratory and observational studies suggests that factors such as diet, physical activity, and obesity may affect risk for recurrence and overall survival after a cancer diagnosis. The purpose of this American Cancer Society guideline is to provide evidence-based, cancer-specific recommendations for anthropometric parameters, physical activity, diet, and alcohol intake for reducing recurrence and cancer-specific and overall mortality. The audiences for this guideline are health care providers caring for cancer survivors as well as cancer survivors and their families. The guideline is intended to serve as a resource for informing American Cancer Society programs, health policy, and the media. Sources of evidence that form the basis of this guideline are systematic literature reviews, meta-analyses, pooled analyses of cohort studies, and large randomized clinical trials published since 2012. Recommendations for nutrition and physical activity during cancer treatment, informed by current practice, large cancer care organizations, and reviews of other expert bodies, are also presented. To provide additional context for the guidelines, the authors also include information on the relationship between health-related behaviors and comorbidities, long-term sequelae and patient-reported outcomes, and health disparities, with attention to enabling survivors' ability to adhere to recommendations. Approaches to meet survivors' needs are addressed as well as clinical care coordination and resources for nutrition and physical activity counseling after a cancer diagnosis.

'Weighing' Losses and Gains: Evaluation of the Healthy Lifestyle Modification After Breast Cancer Pilot Program

Objectives

This pilot study sought to develop and evaluate a novel online group-based intervention (Healthy Lifestyle Modification after Breast Cancer; HLM-ABC) to help breast cancer survivors (BCSs) make healthy lifestyle changes intended to yield not only beneficial physical outcomes (i.e., weight loss, reduced body mass index) but also greater behavioral (e.g., increased physical activity, healthier eating), and psychosocial well-being (e.g., self-efficacy, motivation, body image).

Methods

An exploratory single-arm, mixed-method triangulation design was employed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the HLM-ABC intervention for overweight BCSs. Fourteen women participated in the 10-week intervention and completed quantitative measures of the above-mentioned outcomes at baseline, post-treatment, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up time points. Qualitative data were obtained post-treatment via semi-structured interviews and a treatment satisfaction questionnaire.

Results

Participants lost an average of 2.83% of their baseline weight (M = 196.65; SD = 38.59) by 1-year follow-up (M = 191.29; SD = 33.91), equal to a small effect size (d = -0.37). Despite achieving only modest weight loss, participants achieved meaningful gains in the form of increased physical activity (d = 0.2), discovery of gratifying movement, more intuitive eating habits (d = 1.12), greater bodily and emotional awareness, and positive shifts in beliefs about being able to make healthy choices regarding food (d = 0.63) and physical activity (d = 0.38). Furthermore, they demonstrated a slight improvement in body image (d = 0.36) and described feeling more self-compassionate, empowered, and acknowledging of variables beyond control (i.e., hormonal therapy, unsatisfactory surgery) that can present barriers to change.

Conclusion

After completing a 10-week online program, participants achieved meaningful and lasting changes on a number of healthful indicators, even when this did not correspond with a significant reduction in weight. Findings highlight the complex, multifaceted nature of "health" and lend support for promotion of healthier lifestyle following cancer treatment that encompasses not only physical weight, but also behavior, psychosocial well-being, and (often unmodifiable) circumstances such as life-preserving hormonal treatments.

Optimization of a technology-supported physical activity promotion intervention for breast cancer survivors: Results from Fit2Thrive

BACKGROUND

The benefits of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for breast cancer survivors are well established. However, most are insufficiently active. Fit2Thrive used the Multiphase Optimization Strategy methodology to determine the effect of 5 intervention components on MVPA in this population.

METHODS

Two hundred sixty-nine participants (mean age, 52.5 years; SD, 9.9 years) received a core intervention (the Fit2Thrive self-monitoring app and Fitbit) and were randomly assigned to 5 intervention components set to on/off in a full factorial experiment: support calls, deluxe app, buddy, online gym, and text messages. The intervention was delivered over 12 weeks with a 12-week follow-up. MVPA was measured via accelerometry at the baseline (T1), at 12 weeks (T2), and at 24 weeks (T3). The main effects and interaction effects at each time point were examined for all components.

RESULTS

Trial retention was high: 91.8% had valid accelerometer data at T2 or T3. Across all conditions, there were significant increases in MVPA (+53.6 min/wk; P < .001) and in the proportion of survivors meeting MVPA guidelines (+22.3%; P < .001) at T2 that were maintained but attenuated at T3 (MVPA, +24.6 min/wk; P < .001; meeting guidelines, +12.6%; P < .001). No individual components significantly improved MVPA, although increases were greater for the on level versus the off level for support calls, buddy, and text messages at T2 and T3.

CONCLUSIONS

The Fit2Thrive core intervention (the self-monitoring app and Fitbit) is promising for increasing MVPA in breast cancer survivors, but the components provided no additional increases in MVPA. Future research should evaluate the core intervention in a randomized trial and determine what components optimize MVPA behaviors in breast cancer survivors.

Web-Based Lifestyle Interventions for Survivors of Cancer: Usability Study

BACKGROUND

Internet-based lifestyle programs are increasingly being used to deliver health behavior change interventions to survivors of cancer. However, little is known about website use in this population or its association with healthy lifestyle changes.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to describe lifestyle intervention website use (log-ins, time on website, and page views) among survivors of cancer and patterns of use by participant characteristics. In addition, associations were explored between website use and changes in healthy lifestyle knowledge and practice.

METHODS

A total of 35 survivors of cancer were recruited between August 2017 and 2018 to participate in a 2-week, single-arm pilot test of the SurvivorSHINE lifestyle intervention website. Knowledge and practices related to healthy diet and physical activity behaviors were measured at baseline and follow-up. Website use (eg, time spent on the website, frequency of log-ins, and page views) were collected from the SurvivorSHINE administrative site during the intervention period. Patterns of use were examined by participants' gender and race. Correlations between website use and changes in healthy lifestyle knowledge, physical activity, diet, and weight were explored. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare demographic factors on website use.

RESULTS

Participants logged into the SurvivorSHINE intervention website an average of 3.2 (SD 2) times over the 2-week period and spent a total average of 94 (SD 56) minutes viewing the website during the intervention. Examining website activity, 1905 page views were logged. The User Profile (344 page views) and Home sections (301 page views) were the most frequently visited components. No associations were observed between the frequency of log-ins or the total time on the website, improvements in knowledge related to healthy lifestyles, or changes in body weight or dietary intake. However, the total time on the website was positively correlated with improvements in accelerometer-measured physical activity (r=0.74; P=.02) and self-reported physical activity (r=0.35; P=.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Survivors of cancer demonstrated clear interest in a diet and exercise intervention website, as evidenced by their frequency of log-ins, page views on numerous features, and total viewing time. Moreover, increased website use was correlated with improvements in physical activity.

Dietary and physical activity changes and adherence to WCRF/AICR cancer prevention recommendations following a remotely delivered weight loss intervention for female breast cancer survivors: The Living Well after Breast Cancer randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Diet, exercise, and weight management are key in improving outcomes for breast cancer survivors, with international recommendations for cancer survivors relating to these behaviors. However, few behavioral interventions have reported outcomes aligned specifically with these recommendations.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a remotely delivered weight loss intervention versus usual care for female breast cancer survivors, on changes in multiple diet and physical activity behaviors.

DESIGN

A randomized controlled trial with assessments at study baseline, 6-, 12- and 18 months (i.e., mid-intervention, post-intervention, and non-contact follow-up).

PARTICIPANTS/SETTING

Participants were recruited between October 2012 and December 2014 through hospitals in Brisbane (Australia) and the state-based cancer registry. Eligible participants (female, 18-75 years, BMI 25-45 kg/m², diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer in previous two years) were randomly allocated to intervention (n=79) or usual care (n=80).

INTERVENTION

Participants randomized to the intervention group received 22 counseling telephone calls targeting diet and physical activity aimed at achieving 5-10% weight loss, and optional text messages, over 12 months. Usual care participants received their standard medical care and brief feedback following each assessment, which was similar to that provided to intervention participants with the exception that usual care participants' results were not compared to national and study recommendations.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Dietary intake (24-hour recalls); physical activity (hip-worn Actigraph); sitting time (thigh-worn activPAL3); and, adherence to World Cancer Research Fund/American Cancer Research Institute (WCRF/AICR) recommendations for cancer survivors (0-7 score) were measured at each assessment, with data collected between November 2012 and October 2016.

STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED

Intervention effects were assessed by linear mixed models, accounting for repeated measures and baseline values. Significance was set at P<0.05.

RESULTS

At baseline, participants were (mean±SD) aged 55±9 years, with a BMI of 31.4±5.0 kg/m², 10.7±5.0 months post-diagnosis, and primarily non-minority. At baseline, only 8% (n=12) of participants met ≥5/7 WCRF/AICR recommendations (mean±SD WCRF/AICR adherence score: 3.8±1.0). At 12 months, significant intervention effects were observed in walking/running ( +21 mins/week; 95%CI: 4, 38) and WCRF/AICR adherence scores (+0.3 points; 95%CI: 0.0, 0.6) only. At 18 months, significant intervention effects were observed for energy intake (-229 kcal/day energy; 95%CI: -373, -84), total fat (-10 g/day; 95%CI: -18, -2), and saturated fat (-5 g/day; 95%CI: -9, -1), and were sustained for WCRF/AICR adherence scores (+0.5 points; 95%CI: 0.2, 0.8).

CONCLUSIONS

This remotely delivered weight loss intervention led to sustained improvements in WCRF/AICR adherence scores, and some improvements in diet and physical activity. These findings provide support for the health benefit of programs targeting lifestyle behaviors in line with cancer survivor recommendations, and the potential for dissemination of such programs following treatment for early-stage female breast cancer.

Mapping a decade of interventions to address the supportive care needs of individuals living with or beyond cancer: a scoping review of reviews

PURPOSE

Individuals diagnosed with cancer have a range of supportive care needs that are often unmet despite substantial evidence supporting interventions to address them. Addressing this knowledge-translation gap represents a significant opportunity to improve health outcomes. A scoping review of reviews was conducted to map the breadth of evidence for interventions, highlighting those with an existing evidence base, as well as those requiring further research.

METHODS

Systematic or meta-analytic reviews that examined interventions targeting supportive care needs of adults and children with cancer published between 2009 and 2019 were identified via searches in Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus and Cochrane.

RESULTS

Five hundred fifty-one systematic reviews, including 250 meta-analyses, of interventions addressing supportive care needs, were included. Most reviews focused on interventions to address the physical and psychosocial needs of individuals with few reviews identified to address practical needs. Interventions using mental health therapies and physical activity were most commonly used to address all supportive care needs, followed by the use of pharmaceutical and medical devices, complementary and alternative therapies, information and education resources, dietary information and specific spirituality and return-to-work interventions.

CONCLUSION

This scoping review of reviews presents the first broad overview of the literature addressing the supportive care needs of people living with or beyond cancer. It provides a database that health service providers can search to identify appropriate interventions. Results highlight specific research gaps, particularly for practical needs, where reviews are needed. It highlights where a substantial evidence base exists that researchers and policy-makers can consider when implementing interventions.

Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy of a Web-Based Physical Activity and Sedentary Time Intervention for Survivors of Physical Inactivity-Related Cancers

BACKGROUND

This pilot study explored the feasibility, acceptability, and usability of a web-based intervention for survivors of physical inactivity-related cancers through a two-arm, 12-week randomized controlled trial. Secondarily, this study tested the change in physical activity (PA) and sedentary time with intervention exposure.

METHODS

Prior to randomization to the intervention (n = 45) or behavior "as usual" wait-listed control (n = 40) groups, participants completed baseline surveys and an accelerometer protocol. The intervention focused on increasing PA and decreasing sedentary time through social cognitive theory techniques. Follow-up acceptability/usability surveys (intervention group only) and accelerometers were sent after the intervention period. Information on intervention completion, adverse events, and user statistics were collected to determine feasibility. Median login time and mean acceptability/usability scores were calculated.

RESULTS

Participants (mean age = 60 ± 7 years) included female (n = 80, 94%) and male survivors of breast (82%), colon (6%), endometrial (6%), bladder (4%), and kidney (2%) cancer. Seventy-eight (91.7%) participants returned partially or fully complete post-intervention data. There were no reported injuries or safety concerns. Intervention participants logged into the website for a total of 95 min (Q1, Q3 = 11, 204). System usability scores (72 ± 3) indicated above average usability of the website. Changes in time spent active and sedentary were not statistically significantly different between groups (p = 0.45), but within-group changes suggested intervention group participants spent more time active and less time sedentary after the intervention.

CONCLUSION

Results of this pilot study suggest its feasibility and acceptability for survivors of several inactivity-related cancers. Additional research to determine long-term efficacy is warranted. This low-cost online-only intervention has the potential to have a very broad reach.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trials Number: NCT03983083. Date registered: June 12th, 2019.

Exercise and colorectal cancer survival: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The benefit of exercise to colorectal cancer patients has been advocated. However, comparative data to quantify the survival benefit is lacking. The aim of this review was to assess the effect of exercise on colorectal cancer survival.

METHODS

An up-to-date systematic review was performed on the available literature between 2000 and 2021 on PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, and Cochrane Library databases. All studies reporting on the impact of exercise and colorectal cancer outcomes in patients treated for non-metastatic colorectal cancer were analysed. The main outcome measures were the overall survival (OS), cancer specific survival (CSS) and disease free survival (DFS).

RESULTS

A total of 13 prospective observational studies were included, accounting for 19,135 patients. Compared to negligible physical activity, overall survival (OS) was significantly increased for both moderate and highest activity group (HR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.74-0.90, p < 0.001 and HR 0.64, 0.56-0.72, p < 0.001 respectively). This was also reflected in cancer specific survival (CSS) analysis, but not disease-free survival (DFS) analysis.

CONCLUSION

Exercise was associated with an increased in overall survival after a colorectal cancer resection. This would support the promotion of exercise interventions amongst colorectal cancer patients.

Telerehabilitation's Safety, Feasibility, and Exercise Uptake in Cancer Survivors: Process Evaluation

BACKGROUND

Access to exercise for cancer survivors is poor despite global recognition of its benefits. Telerehabilitation may overcome barriers to exercise for cancer survivors but is not routinely offered.

OBJECTIVE

Following the rapid implementation of an exercise-based telerehabilitation program in response to COVID-19, a process evaluation was conducted to understand the impact on patients, staff, and the health service with the aim of informing future program development.

METHODS

A mixed methods evaluation was completed for a telerehabilitation program for cancer survivors admitted between March and December 2020. Interviews were conducted with patients and staff involved in implementation. Routinely collected hospital data (adverse events, referrals, admissions, wait time, attendance, physical activity, and quality of life) were also assessed. Patients received an 8-week telerehabilitation intervention including one-on-one health coaching via telehealth, online group exercise and education, information portal, and home exercise prescription. Quantitative data were reported descriptively, and qualitative interview data were coded and mapped to the Proctor model for implementation research.

RESULTS

The telerehabilitation program received 175 new referrals over 8 months. Of those eligible, 123 of 150 (82%) commenced the study. There were no major adverse events. Adherence to health coaching was high (674/843, 80% of scheduled sessions), but participation in online group exercise classes was low (n=36, 29%). Patients improved their self-reported physical activity levels by a median of 110 minutes per week (IQR 90-401) by program completion. Patients were satisfied with telerehabilitation, but clinicians reported a mixed experience of pride in rapid care delivery contrasting with loss of personal connections. The average health service cost per patient was Aus $1104 (US $790).

CONCLUSIONS

Telerehabilitation is safe, feasible, and improved outcomes for cancer survivors. Learnings from this study may inform the ongoing implementation of cancer telerehabilitation.

Healthy Moves to Improve Lifestyle Behaviors of Cancer Survivors and Their Spouses: Feasibility and Preliminary Results of Intervention Efficacy

Spouses offer a primary source of support and may provide critical assistance for behavior change. A diet-exercise intervention previously found efficacious in improving cancer survivors' lifestyle behaviors was adapted to utilize a couples-based approach. The aims were to test the feasibility of this couples-based (CB) intervention and compare its efficacy to the same program delivered to the survivor-only (SO). Twenty-two survivor-spouse couples completed baseline assessments and were randomized to the CB or SO interventions. The study surpassed feasibility benchmarks; 91% of survivors and 86% of spouses completed a 6-month follow-up. Survivors and spouses attended 94% and 91% of sessions, respectively. The SO survivors showed significant improvements on the 30-s chair stand and arm curl tests, weight, and fruit and vegetable (F and V) consumption. The CB survivors showed significant improvements on the 6-min walk and 2-min step tests, body weight, and fat and F and V consumption. Improvement in the 30-s chair stand and arm curl tests was significantly better for SO survivors. The SO spouses showed no significant changes in outcome measures, but the CB spouses showed significant improvements in moderate-to-strenuous physical activity, weight, and fat and F and V consumption. Weight loss was significantly greater in CB spouses compared to SO spouses. Findings demonstrate feasibility, warranting further investigation of CB approaches to promote lifestyle change among cancer survivors and spouses.

The effect of initial support on fitness center use in new fitness center members. A randomized controlled trial

•

There is a lack of research on what fitness centers do to support new members.

•

The effect of initial support delivered via telephone and e-mail was investigated.

•

There was an effect on bookings with a fitness trainer first six months.

•

There was no effect on days with visits or membership duration during four years.

•

More visits the first six months were associated with longer membership duration.

This provider and participant blinded parallel-group randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate if initial support given to new members via telephone and e-mail, compared to self-directed use, had an effect on booking with a fitness trainer, number of visits to the center, and membership duration. Participants included 356 new members, 174 randomized to the intervention group, and 182 to the control group. The intervention group received support to use the fitness center facilities through two phone calls and one e-mail over the first eight weeks of their membership. The control group got usual practice, which is self-directed use.

Participants in the intervention group were more likely to book at least one session with a fitness trainer during the first six months (odds ratio 1.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0–2.5). However, the intervention did not influence the number of visits (mean difference after four years −11.7 days, 95% CI −34.8 to 11.3) or time to membership termination during the follow-up period (hazard ratio 1.1, 95% CI 0.8–1.3).

In conclusion, initial support to use the fitness center facilities given to new fitness center members via telephone and e-mail increased the proportion of bookings with a fitness trainer during the first months of the membership, but it did not have an effect on the number of visits or membership termination during four years.

The effect of web-based intervention programs on self-management and symptom management in patients with lymphoma: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

AIM

This systematic review aimed to systematically summarize studies obtained through a database search and examine the effect of web-based intervention programs on self-management and symptom management in patients with lymphoma.

METHODS

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was carried out. Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, ProQuest, Science Direct, and Ovid databases were reviewed until January 2021. The flow chart of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis checklist was used in the search procedure without setting a year limit. Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes and Study criteria were determined by two independent investigators and published randomized controlled studies in English with lymphoma diagnosis and web-based intervention programs for self-management and symptom management were included in the systematic review. The included studies were examined for their risk of bias with the help of the Cochrane Collaboration tool. A narrative synthesis of study findings was performed.

RESULTS

Six randomized controlled trials with 2382 participants were included in the systematic review. Web-based intervention programs in patients diagnosed with lymphoma were found to be generally implemented for determining the levels of self-management and symptom management. In all of the studies reviewed, it was found that the interventions had treatment outcomes. The risk of Bias 2 was evaluated as high risk in two studies that did not meet the criteria for blinding outcome evaluations. The included studies, while evaluating the effects of web-based intervention programs on patient outcomes, could not provide information about the underlying mechanisms by which these effects occur and how they occur.

CONCLUSIONS

All of the studies included were found to apply a technology designed to improve outcomes in patients with lymphoma. It is recommended that web-based intervention programs be individualized by adapting them to lymphoma types and stages, and serve as a guide for effective symptom management.

Physical Activity Interventions for Colorectal Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

Physical activity (PA) has been shown to improve total mortality and colorectal-specific mortality risk; however, colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors have lower rates of PA compared with survivors with other types of cancers.

Objective

To examine the effect of PA interventions on CRC survivors.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to identify randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria, which included an intervention designed to increase PA and more than 1 outcome of interest. Random effects of the meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.3.

Results

Eight publications representing 7 randomized controlled trials of 803 participants were identified. All studies used a combination of behavioral change methods. Physical activity interventions significantly improved disease-specific quality of life, PA level, and maximum amount of oxygen and did not show significant improvements for fatigue and body mass index among CRC survivors.

Conclusions

We provided evidence that PA interventions were effective in improving disease-specific quality of life, PA level, and maximum amount of oxygen; however, they did not improve fatigue and body mass index. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the optimal mode of delivering PA intervention for CRC survivors.

Implications for Practice

As the survival rate of patients with CRC increases, survivors of CRC need to increase PA in a community setting after completing primary treatments. Effective and efficient modes of PA intervention delivery could improve health-related outcomes and address specific barriers for CRC survivors.

Evaluation of the Healthy Living after Cancer text message-delivered, extended contact intervention using the RE-AIM framework

Background

Text message-delivered interventions have potential to prevent weight regain and maintain diet and physical activity behaviours through extending contact with participants following initial weight loss, lifestyle interventions. Using the RE-AIM Framework, this study evaluated the adoption, reach, implementation, effectiveness, and maintenance of an extended contact text-message intervention following the Healthy Living after Cancer (HLaC) program. HLaC was a 6-month, telephone-delivered intervention targeting healthy diet, physical activity and weight loss for adult cancer survivors, offered by Cancer Councils (CCs) in Australia.

Methods

HLaC completers (n = 182) were offered extended contact via text messages for 6-months (HLaC+Txt). Text message content/frequency was individually tailored to participant’s preferences, ascertained through two telephone-tailoring interviews with CC staff. Adoption (HLaC+Txt uptake among eligible CCs), reach (uptake by HLaC completers) and implementation (intervention cost/length; text dose) were assessed. The effectiveness of extended contact relative to historic controls was quantified by pre-to-post HLaC+Txt changes in self-reported: weight, moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), fruit and vegetable intake, fat and fibre behaviour. Maintenance, following 6-months of noncontact for the intervention cohort, was assessed for these same variables. Semi-structured interviews with CC staff and participants contextualised outcomes.

Results

HLaC+Txt was adopted by all four CCs who had delivered HLaC. In total, 115 participants commenced HLaC+Txt, with reach ranging across CCs from 47 to 80% of eligible participants. The mean number of weeks participants received the text message intervention ranged across CCs from 18.5–22.2 weeks. Participants received (median, 25th,75th percentile) 83 (48, 119) texts, ranging across CCs from 40 to 112. The total cost of HLaC+Txt delivery was on average $AUD85.00/participant. No meaningful (p < 0.05) differences in self-reported outcomes were seen between HLaC+Txt and control cohorts. After 6-months no contact the intervention cohort had maintained weight, fruit intake, fat and fibre index scores relative to end of HLaC+Txt outcomes. Participants/CC staff perceived an important intervention component was maintaining accountability.

Conclusions

While feasible to implement, HLaC+Txt was not effective in the short term. However, intervention effects during the non-contact period suggest the program supports longer term maintenance of weight and diet behaviour. Intervention delivery in this real-world context highlighted key considerations for future implementation.

Trial registration

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) - ACTRN12615000882527 (registered on 24/08/2015).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08806-4.

Feasibility, acceptability, and effects of behavior change interventions for improving multiple dietary behaviors among cancer survivors: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to systematically identify and synthesize evidence on the feasibility, acceptability, and effects of behavior change interventions for improving multiple dietary behaviors among cancer survivors.

METHODS

A total of 14 electronic databases and three trial registries were searched. Experimental studies that examined the feasibility, acceptability, and effects of behavior change interventions for improving multiple dietary behaviors among cancer survivors and published in English or Chinese peer-reviewed journals or protocols were considered eligible. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool. Data were extracted and synthesized narratively.

RESULTS

Six studies, with a sample size ranging from 50 to 3088, were included. The studies had a high overall risk of bias. Six studies reported feasibility data, and the average eligibility, recruitment, and retention rates at post-intervention were 60.7%, 66.7%, and 90.7%, respectively. Only one study measured the acceptability and reported that 66.6% of participants were satisfied with the intervention. Five out of the six studies that measured fruit and vegetable consumption reported statistically significant positive intervention effects. Two studies reported inconsistent intervention effects on wholegrain consumption. Only one study measured the consumption of processed meat, sugar, and alcohol, which had statistically nonsignificant intervention effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Behavior change interventions for improving multiple dietary behaviors might be feasible and effective to increase fruit and/or vegetable consumption among cancer survivors. Further research is needed to examine the acceptability and effects of the intervention for modifying other dietary behavior.

SafeFit Trial: virtual clinics to deliver a multimodal intervention to improve psychological and physical well-being in people with cancer. Protocol of a COVID-19 targeted non-randomised phase III trial

INTRODUCTION

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus) on individuals with cancer has been profound. It has led to increased anxiety, distress and deconditioning due to reduced physical activity. We aim to investigate whether SafeFit, a multimodal intervention of physical activity, nutrition and psychological support delivered virtually by cancer exercise specialists (CES), can improve physical and emotional functionings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A phase III non-randomised intervention trial, target recruitment of 1050 adults with suspected or confirmed diagnosis of cancer. All recruited participants will receive the multimodal intervention delivered by CES for 6 months. Sessions will be delivered 1-to-1 using telephone/video conferencing consultations. CES will work with each participant to devise a personalised programme of (1) physical activity, (2) basic dietary advice and (3) psychological support, all underpinned by behaviour change support.

PRIMARY OUTCOME

Physical and emotional functioning as measured by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30).

SECONDARY OUTCOMES

overall quality of life measured by EORTC-QLQ-C30 and EQ-5D-5L, health economics, patient activation, self-efficacy to self-manage chronic disease, distress, impact of COVID-19 on emotional functioning, self-reported physical activity, functional capacity and nutrition. Adherence to the intervention will also be measured and a process evaluation conducted.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was obtained from the Health Research Authority (reference number 20/NW/0254). Results of this trial will be disseminated through publication of peer-reviewed articles, presentations at scientific conferences, and to the public and people with cancer in collaboration with our patient and public involvement representatives and partners.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04425616.

Benefits of Dietary Management in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute of Cancer Research recommendations include guidance on diet, nutrition, and weight management for people with cancer. However, for women diagnosed with breast cancer there is a lack of comprehensive analyses on the effects of dietary interventions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of changes in dietary behavior and body composition on breast cancer development. A comprehensive and systematic literature search of 12 electronic databases was undertaken on January 27, 2021 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of dietary interventions for breast cancer. The Cochrane risk bias assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of the trials identified with the data analyzed by Review Manager 5.3 software. The results showed that dietary interventions probably did not modify servings of fruit (P = 0.08), fat intake (P = 0.10), total cholesterol level (P = 0.82), body weight (P = 0.08), waist circumference (P = 0.15), or waist-to-hip ratio (P = 0.32). However, a significant reduction in body mass index (P = 0.03), and hip circumference (P = 0.03), and improvement in energy intake (P = 0.02), vegetable servings (P < 0.0001), and fiber intake (P < 0.00001) were observed. Future studies should investigate the benefits of exercise in combination with dietary interventions in breast cancer patients.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2021.1957129.

The effect of telephone counselling and follow-up on empowering women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy

Empowering women with breast cancer leads to better adaptation to diagnosis and treatment, and reduces the symptoms of cancer. The purpose of the researchers is to determine the effect of a telephone counseling and follow-up program on empowerment of women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. We used a non-randomized clinical trial design. Researchers applied the telephone counseling and follow-up to the intervention group for 8 weeks. At the end of study, the intervention group showed improvement in measures of cancer functional management and breast cancer specific function, along with satisfaction with the decision, general symptoms of cancer and specific symptoms of breast cancer.

Digital Self-Management Support Tools in the Care Plan of Patients With Cancer: Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

Digital self-management support tools (DSMSTs)—electronic devices or monitoring systems to monitor or improve health status—have become increasingly important in cancer care.

Objective

The aim of this review is to analyze published randomized clinical trials to assess the effectiveness of DSMSTs on physical and psychosocial symptoms or other supportive care needs in adult patients with cancer.

Methods

Five databases were searched from January 2013 to January 2020. English or Dutch language randomized controlled trials comparing DSMSTs with no intervention, usual care, alternative interventions, or a combination and including patients aged ≥18 years with pathologically proven cancer in the active treatment or survivorship phases were included. The results were summarized qualitatively.

Results

A total of 19 publications describing 3 types of DSMSTs were included. Although the content, duration, and frequency of interventions varied considerably across studies, the commonly used elements included an assessment component, tailored symptom self-management support, an information section, a communication section, and a diary. Significant positive effects were observed on quality of life in 6 (out of 10) studies, on anxiety in 1 (out of 5) study and depression in 2 (out of 8) studies, on symptom distress in 5 (out of 7) studies, on physical activity in 4 (out of 6) studies, on dietary behavior in 1 (out of 4) study, and on fatigue in 2 (out of 5) studies. Moreover, significant negative effects were observed on anxiety in 1 (out of 5) study and depression in 1 (out of 8) study. Most interventions were web-based interventions; 2 studies used mobile apps, and 1 study used a game as a DSMST. The overall quality of the studies was found to be good, with 13 out of 19 studies classified as high quality.

Conclusions

This review suggests that DSMSTs have a beneficial effect on the quality of life. For effects on other patient outcomes (eg, anxiety and depression, symptom distress, physical activity, dietary behavior, and fatigue), the evidence is inconsistent and limited or no effect is suggested. Future research should focus on specific tumor types, study different types of interventions separately, and assess the effects of specific interventions at different stages of disease progression.

Co-designing a Lifestyle-Focused Text Message Intervention for Women After Breast Cancer Treatment: Mixed Methods Study

Background

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally. Recovery from breast cancer treatment can be mentally and physically challenging. SMS text message programs offer a novel way to provide health information and support, but few programs are co-designed with consumer representatives.

Objective

This study aims to report the procedures and outcomes of a co-design process of a lifestyle-focused SMS text message program to support women’s mental and physical health after breast cancer treatment.

Methods

We followed an iterative mixed methods two-step process: (1) co-design workshop with consumers and health professionals and researchers to draft text messages and (2) evaluation of message content, which was scored (5-point Likert scale; 1=strongly disagree to 5=strongly agree) for ease of understanding, usefulness, and appropriateness, and readability (Flesch-Kincaid score). Additional free-text responses and semistructured interviews were coded into themes. Messages were edited or deleted based on the evaluations, with consumers’ evaluations prioritized.

Results

In step 1, co-designed text messages (N=189) were semipersonalized, and the main content themes were (1) physical activity and healthy eating, (2) medications and side effects, (3) mental health, and (4) general breast cancer information. In step 2, consumers (n=14) and health professionals and researchers (n=14) provided 870 reviews of 189 messages and found that most messages were easy to understand (799/870, 91.8%), useful (746/870, 85.7%), and appropriate (732/870, 84.1%). However, consumers rated 50 messages differently from health professionals and researchers. On the basis of evaluations, 37.6% (71/189) of messages were deleted, 36.5% (69/189) were edited, and 12 new messages related to fatigue, self-care, and cognition were created. The final 130 text messages had a mean 7.12 (SD 2.8) Flesch-Kincaid grade level and 68.9 (SD 15.5) ease-of-reading score, which represents standard reading ease.

Conclusions

Co-designing and evaluating a bank of evidence-based mental and physical health-themed text messages with breast cancer survivors, health professionals, and researchers was feasible and resulted in a bank of 130 text messages evaluated highly by participants. Some consumer evaluations differed from health professionals and researchers, supporting the importance of co-design.

Comparing the Effectiveness of a Wearable Activity Tracker in Addition to Counseling and Counseling Only to Reinforce Leisure-Time Physical Activity among Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of a wearable activity tracker (WAT) in addition to counseling (WAT+counseling) and counseling only for reinforcing leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among breast cancer patients during radiotherapy (RT). A total of 152 breast cancer patients who were planning to undergo radiation therapy (RT) after surgery participated in the study. The WAT+counseling group (n = 76) underwent physical activity (PA) self-monitoring using a WAT and participated in counseling. The counseling-only group (n = 76) received telephone counseling once a week during RT and did not receive WAT. The WAT+counseling group had increased relative change in self-reported LTPA (102.8) compared with the counseling-only group (57.8) immediately after RT compared to baseline. Although the relative changes of self-reported LTPA of the WAT+counseling group were higher at three and six months after the end of RT compared to in the counseling-only group, the results were not significant. The mean average daily step count of the WAT+counseling group was 9351.7, which increased to 11,592.2 during RT and 12,240.1 after RT. In the subgroup analysis, patients who did not perform regular PA before cancer diagnosis had significantly increased step counts. This study shows the feasibility of WAT with counseling to reinforce PA among breast cancer patients.

The Society for Integrative Oncology Practice Recommendations for online consultation and treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE

The Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) Online Task Force was created in response to the challenges facing continuity of integrative oncology care resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Task Force set out to guide integrative oncology practitioners in providing effective and safe online consultations and treatments for quality-of-life-concerns and symptom management. Online treatments include manual, acupuncture, movement, mind-body, herbal, and expressive art therapies.

METHODS

The SIO Online Practice Recommendations employed a four-phase consensus process: (1) literature review and discussion among an international panel of SIO members, identifying key elements essential in an integrative oncology visit; (2) development, testing, and refinement of a questionnaire defining challenges and strategies; (3) refinement input from integrative oncology experts from 19 countries; and (4) SIO Executive Committee review identifying the most high-priority challenges and strategies.

RESULTS

The SIO Online Practice Recommendations address ten challenges, providing practical suggestions for online treatment/consultation. These include overcoming unfamiliarity, addressing resistance among patients and healthcare practitioners to online consultation/treatment, exploring ethical and medical-legal aspects, solving technological issues, preparing the online treatment setting, starting the online treatment session, maintaining effective communication, promoting specific treatment effects, involving the caregiver, concluding the session, and ensuring continuity of care.

CONCLUSIONS

The SIO Online Practice Recommendations are relevant for ensuring continuity of care beyond the present pandemic. They can be implemented for patients with limited accessibility to integrative oncology treatments due to geographic constraints, financial difficulties, physical disability, or an unsupportive caregiver. These recommendations require further study in practice settings.

Acceptability of online exercise-based interventions after breast cancer surgery: systematic review and narrative synthesis

PURPOSE

eHealth and mHealth approaches are increasingly used to support cancer survivors. This review aimed to examine adherence, acceptability and satisfaction with Internet-based self-management programmes for post-surgical cancer rehabilitation and to identify common components of such interventions.

METHODS

Nine electronic databases were searched from inception up to February 15, 2020, for relevant quantitative and qualitative studies evaluating Internet-based cancer rehabilitation interventions. Studies were required to include an exercise or physical activity-based self-management intervention and a measure of adherence, acceptability or user satisfaction with the programme. Two independent reviewers performed all data extraction and quality assessment procedures. Data were synthesized using a narrative approach.

RESULTS

Six hundred ninety-six potential papers were identified and screened. Eleven met the inclusion criteria. Interventions had wide variations in levels of adherence, but the majority were reported as being acceptable to the users. Increased acceptability and user satisfaction were associated with interventions which were seen as time and cost-efficient, requiring acquisition of minimal or no new skills, which used coherent language, or which provided tailored information. The majority contained behaviour change components such as goal setting.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite high levels of heterogeneity between studies, Internet-based approaches may be an acceptable method for the delivery of self-management interventions in post-surgical cancer rehabilitation.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

There is a need for further studies exploring factors associated with increased user engagement and usage of digital interventions in cancer rehabilitation settings. These findings should be used to help develop interventions prior to testing their effectiveness in adequately powered randomized controlled trials.

Remote interventions to improve exercise behaviour in sedentary people living with and beyond cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many cancer services to consider a transition to a remote format of delivery that is largely untested. Accordingly, we sought to perform a systematic review of the effects of remotely delivered interventions to improve exercise behaviour in sedentary adults living with and beyond cancer.

METHODS

Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials comparing a remotely delivered exercise intervention to a usual care comparison in sedentary people over 18 years old with a primary cancer diagnosis. Nine electronic databases were searched from inception to November 2020.

RESULTS

The review included three trials, totalling 186 participants. Two of the included trials incorporated prescriptions that meet current aerobic exercise recommendations, one of which also meets the guidelines for resistance exercise. No trials reported an intervention adherence of 75% or more for a set prescription that meets current exercise guidelines.

CONCLUSION

There is little evidence suggesting that remote exercise interventions promote exercise behaviours or improve physical function in sedentary adults living with and beyond cancer. The development and evaluation of novel remote exercise interventions is needed to establish their usefulness for clinical practice. Given the social response to the COVID-19 pandemic, further research in this area is urgently needed.

Cost-effectiveness of physical activity interventions in cancer survivors of developed countries: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Physical activity has been shown to improve survival and quality of life of cancer patients. Due to differences in patient populations, healthcare settings, and types of intervention, cost-effectiveness analyses of physical activity interventions in cancer survivors are difficult to compare. Available evidence from breast cancer survivor research has shown inconsistent results, and transfer of results to other types of cancer is not straightforward. This paper systematically reviewed current evidence on the cost-effectiveness of physical activity interventions in cancer survivors independent of cancer type compared to usual care or another experimental intervention.

METHODS

The literature search was conducted in seven databases and enhanced by a search for gray literature. Eligible studies were restricted to developed countries and assessed using the CHEERS, CHEC, and PHILIPS checklists. The study protocol was pre-published in PROSPERO.

RESULTS

Seven studies, five cost-utility, and two combined cost-utility/cost-effectiveness analyses fully met the inclusion criteria. They covered eight different types of cancer and various interventions. The cost-effectiveness analyses were of moderate to high methodological quality. A high probability of cost-effectiveness was reported in two analyses. One intervention appeared to be not cost-effective, and one to be cost-effective only from an organizational perspective. Three other analyses reported a cost-effectiveness better than US$ 101,195 (€ 80,000) per QALY gained.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical activity interventions in cancer survivors of developed countries were cost-effective in some but not all clinical trials reviewed.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Cost-effectiveness of physical activity interventions appear to depend upon the intensity of the activity.

What do cancer survivors and their health care providers want from a healthy living program? Results from the first round of a co-design project

PURPOSE

Healthy lifestyles are an important part of cancer survivorship, though survivors often do not adhere to recommended guidelines. As part of the co-design of a new online healthy living intervention, this study aimed to understand cancer survivors', oncology healthcare professionals' (HCP) and cancer non-government organisation (NGO) representatives' preferences regarding intervention content and format.

METHODS

Survivors, HCP and NGO representatives participated in focus groups and interviews exploring what healthy living means to survivors, their experience with past healthy living programs and their recommendations for future program content and delivery. Sessions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.

RESULTS

Six focus groups and eight interviews were conducted including a total of 38 participants (21 survivors, 12 HCP, 5 NGO representatives). Two overarching messages emerged: (1) healthy living goes beyond physical health to include mental health and adjustment to a new normal and (2) healthy living programs should incorporate mental health strategies and peer support and offer direction in a flexible format with long-term accessibility. There was a high degree of consensus between participant groups across themes.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the need for integration of physical and mental health interventions with flexibility in delivery. Future healthy living programs should investigate the potential for increased program adherence if mental health interventions and a hybrid of delivery options were included.

Phase II trial evaluating efficacy of a Fitbit program for improving the health of endometrial cancer survivors

BACKGROUND

Despite the favorable prognosis of early stage endometrial cancer, mortality from cardiovascular disease is high. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a Fitbit program to improve physical activity in endometrial cancer survivors.

METHODS

Eligible patients were diagnosed with stage IA-IIIA endometrial adenocarcinoma, ≥3 months out from treatment. Participants received a Fitbit Alta and were randomized to receive communication via telephone or electronic methods (email/text). Communication was every two weeks for two months, then once during months four and five. Average daily steps were assessed weekly for nine months.

RESULTS

The 46 analyzable patients demonstrated a baseline of 5641 median daily average steps. Average steps increased by 22% at 6 months but decreased to baseline by nine months. Baseline activity level (daily steps and walks per week) was the greatest predictor of activity level. Only the telephone intervention participants demonstrated increased activity level at several timepoints, although not maintained by nine months. BMI was unchanged. There was mild improvement in physical and social well-being in those with low baseline well-being (p = 0.009 and 0.014, respectively), regardless of intervention group. Emotional well-being correlated with step count (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Activity level was low and mildly improved on the Fitbit program with the telephone intervention, but effects did not persist by study completion. The program had the greatest impact on a select group of telephone intervention patients with high baseline walking frequency and low baseline step count. Others may require more intense intervention to promote more robust/persistent lifestyle changes.

Lapse, Relapse, and Recovery in Physical Activity Interventions for Latinas: a Survival Analysis

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) research extensively focuses on initiation of PA, yet lapse and relapse among PA intervention participants are less well understood, particularly among minority populations such as Latinas in the USA. This study aimed to (1) determine the probability of lapse during two PA interventions for Latinas; (2) assess demographic, psychosocial, and environmental predictors of the amount of time until first lapse; and (3) identify factors predictive of lapse recovery.

METHODS

Data from 176 Latina intervention participants were pooled. Survival functions and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to illustrate probability of lapse. Cox proportional hazard models assessed predictors of time to lapse. Logistic regressions identified predictors of lapse recovery.

RESULTS

The probability of lapse after 1 month of starting to exercise was 18%, escalating to 34% after 4 months. Predictors of earlier lapse included various psychosocial constructs (i.e., self-efficacy and various processes of change), but none of the measured environmental factors, and only one demographic factor (≥ 2 children under 18). Increased use of consciousness raising at 2 months was associated with lower likelihood of lapse recovery, yet use of behavioral processes of change at 6 months was associated with higher likelihood of recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Lapsing may not be pre-determined by demographic and environmental characteristics. On the other hand, skills that can be learned through interventions, such as skills to improve self-efficacy, seem important in the delay or prevention of lapses. Results pertaining to lapse recovery are less clear.

Feasibility of Aerobic Exercise and Tai-Chi Interventions in Advanced Lung Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

A majority of lung cancer patients are diagnosed at advanced stages. Although there is considerable evidence of the benefits of aerobic exercise and tai-chi for lung cancer patients, little is known about the comparative effectiveness of the 2 exercise modes in advanced lung cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the feasibility and preliminary effects of aerobic exercise and tai-chi interventions on survival and well-being among advanced lung cancer patients.

METHODS

In an assessor-blinded, exploratory randomized controlled trial, 30 advanced lung cancer patients were randomized to an aerobic exercise group, a tai-chi group (both attending 12-week, twice-weekly supervised sessions), or a self-management control group (receiving written exercise guidelines). The primary outcomes focused on feasibility including intervention completion, exercise adherence, and adverse events, while the secondary outcomes addressed preliminary effects and included 1-year survival, cancer symptoms (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score, Brief Fatigue Inventory), quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-LC13), physical performance (6-minute walk test, up-and-go, sit-to-stand, 1-leg standing), activity levels (actigraph), and circadian rhythms (salivary cortisol).

RESULTS

Intervention feasibility was established with a satisfactory completion rate at post-intervention for the aerobic exercise group (80%) and the tai-chi group (78%). The tai-chi group attained higher adherence than the exercise group in terms of attendance in supervised sessions (89% vs 75% of scheduled classes) and self-practice (225% vs 87% of the prescribed amount). Higher adherence to self-practice in the tai-chi group remained at the 6-month follow-up (81% vs 38% of the prescribed amount). No adverse event as a result of the intervention was reported. Effect-related outcomes did not show statistically significant changes in any group, except an improvement post-intervention in the up-and-go (-2.26, 95% CI: -4.04, -0.48) and sit-to-stand tests (4.52, 95% CI: 2.19, 6.85) in the aerobic exercise group.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings support the feasibility of aerobic exercise and tai-chi interventions in advanced lung cancer patients. A future study with a larger sample from multiple sites is recommended to confirm the comparative effects of the 2 exercise interventions relative to the self-management group and to enhance the generalizability of the findings.

Narrative Review of Web-based Healthy Lifestyle Interventions for Cancer Survivors

This narrative review of web-delivered weight management, diet quality, and physical activity interventions for cancer survivors relies on a systematic search of PubMed, Psych Info, and EBSCOhost which identified 19 unique web-delivered lifestyle interventions for cancer survivors. The sample sizes for these studies ranged from 11–492. Intervention duration ranged from 1–12 months; however, most interventions were 6–12 weeks in length. Ten studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), two were two-arm quasi RCTs, and seven employed a single-arm pre/post-test design. Many (N= 15) of the interventions were well-grounded in behavioral theory, which may have led to favorable behavior change. Most studies (15-of-19) targeted and reported increases in physical activity, while only a few targeted and reported improvements in diet quality (36.9% and 15.8%, respectively) and weight management (26.3% and 10.5%, respectively). A notable limitation was that most studies were conducted among populations that were primarily White and female. Future directions for Internet-based lifestyle interventions for cancer survivors include increasing: (a) focus on multiple behavior change, (b) representation of male and minority populations to improve generalizability of findings, (c) extended intervention duration and follow-up to evaluate long-term efficacy of web-based lifestyle interventions, and (d) sample size to allow for adequate statistical power.

Cultural Adaptation of Evidence-Based Lifestyle Interventions for African American Men With Prostate Cancer: A Dyadic Approach

Although a number of lifestyle interventions have been developed for cancer survivors, the extent to which they are effective for African American men with cancer is unclear. Given that African American men have the highest prostate cancer burden and the lack of proven interventions, this study developed a culturally-tailored lifestyle intervention for African American men with prostate cancer and their partners that aimed to improve healthy lifestyle behaviors (physical activity and healthy eating) and quality of life. The aim of the present study is to provide a detailed overview of the model-based process of intervention adaptation. Based on the IM Adapt approach (Highfield et al., 2015) and Typology of Adaptation (Davidson et al., 2013), the present study adapted existing, evidence-based interventions to address African American prostate cancer survivors' and their partners' potential unmet needs including anxiety/uncertainty about cancer progression, communication between partners, cultural sensitivity, and concordance/discordance of motivation and behaviors between partners. The intervention adaptation was a comprehensive and fluid process. To the best knowledge of the author, this is the first couple-based lifestyle intervention specifically developed for African American men with prostate cancer. The present study will be highly informative to future investigators by providing flexible and detailed information regarding lifestyle intervention adaptation for racial/ethnic minority men with prostate cancer and their partners.

From Cancer Rehabilitation to Recreation: A Coordinated Approach to Increasing Physical Activity

Participation in adequate physical activity improves the health status of cancer survivors, enhances their survival, and reduces their risk of cancer recurrence. However, cancer survivors engage in low levels of physical activity and have limited access to rehabilitation services that could increase their participation. No optimal framework has been developed that supports physical activity participation among cancer survivors. Given the growth in numbers of cancer survivors, development of a framework may provide a pathway to facilitate timely and appropriate care. This perspective paper describes the development of the Cancer Rehabilitation to Recreation (CaReR) Framework and its practical implications. The CaReR Framework uses a tailored, stepped approach to guide health services and clinicians on the design and implementation of interventions to promote physical activity among cancer survivors. Implementation of the CaReR Framework will improve continuity and quality of care for cancer survivors and promote physical activity with the ultimate aim of improving health outcomes.

The Role of Telehealth During the COVID-19 Pandemic Across the Interdisciplinary Cancer Team: Implications for Practice

Objective

This literature review aims to explore the role of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic across the interdisciplinary cancer care team.

Data Sources

Electronic databases including CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Scopus, and gray literature were searched using Google Scholar up until September 2020.

Conclusion

Although the safe and effective delivery of cancer care via telehealth requires education and training for health care professionals and patients, telehealth has provided a timely solution to the barriers caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the delivery of interdisciplinary cancer services. Globally, evidence has shown that telehealth in cancer care can leverage an innovative response during the COVID-19 pandemic but may provide a long-lasting solution to enable patients to be treated appropriately in their home environment. Telehealth reduces the travel burden on patients for consultation, affords a timely solution to discuss distressing side effects, initiate interventions, and enable possible treatment additions and/or changes.

Implications for Nursing Practice

Global public health disasters pose significant and unique challenges to the provision of necessary services for people affected by cancer. Oncology nurses can provide a central contribution in the delivery of telehealth through transformational leadership across all domains and settings in cancer care. Oncology nurses provide the “hub of cancer care” safely embedded in the interdisciplinary team. Telehealth provides a solution to the current global health crisis but could also benefit the future provision of services and broad reach clinical trials.