Knowledge and Attitudes of Oncologists in Recommending Exercises to Cancer Patients in Pakistan: A Nationwide Observational Study Oncologists' Exercise Recommendations for Cancer
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: Exercise has been increasingly recognized as beneficial in cancer care, improving quality of life and treatment outcomes. However, oncologists' knowledge and attitudes toward recommending exercise to cancer patients remain variable.
Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of oncologists in Pakistan regarding exercise recommendations for cancer patients.
Methods: A nationwide observational study was conducted from May to October 2023. A structured questionnaire was administered to 53 oncologists from major cancer hospitals across Pakistan. The survey included sections on personal exercise habits, exercise recommendations to patients, perceived effects on cancer therapy, and barriers to recommending exercise. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29, employing descriptive statistics and inferential tests, with p<0.05 as significant.
Results: Of the oncologists, 32% reported regular exercise, while 66.1% recommended exercise to cancer patients. About 58.4% believed exercise alleviates cancer-related symptoms, and 54.7% and 56.6% believed it enhances chemotherapy and radiotherapy effectiveness, respectively. A significant correlation was found between awareness of exercise guidelines and positive attitudes toward recommending exercise (p<0.000).
Conclusion: Most oncologists recognize the benefits of exercise for cancer patients but require further training
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
Juergens RA, Sussman J. Oncology Care Provider Perspectives on Exercise Promotion in People with Cancer: An Examination of Knowledge, Practices, Barriers, and Facilitators. Support Care Cancer. 2017;25:2297-304.
Campbell KL, Winters-Stone K, Wiskemann J, May AM, Schwartz AL, Courneya KS, et al. Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors: Consensus Statement from International Multidisciplinary Roundtable. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2019;51(11):2375.
Hojman P. Exercise Protects from Cancer Through Regulation of Immune Function and Inflammation. Biochem Soc Trans. 2017;45(4):905-11.
Maltser S, Cristian A, Silver JK, Morris GS, Stout NL. A Focused Review of Safety Considerations in Cancer Rehabilitation. PM&R. 2017;9(9).
Cormie P, Zopf EM, Zhang X, Schmitz KH. The Impact of Exercise on Cancer Mortality, Recurrence, and Treatment-Related Adverse Effects. Epidemiol Rev. 2017;39(1):71-92.
Kimmel GT, Haas BK, Hermanns M. The Role of Exercise in Cancer Treatment: Bridging the Gap. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2014;13(4):246-52.
Schmitz K, Courneya K, Matthews C. Erratum: American College of Sports Medicine Roundtable on Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011;43(1).
Stene GB, Helbostad J, Balstad TR, Riphagen II, Kaasa S, Oldervoll LM. Effect of Physical Exercise on Muscle Mass and Strength in Cancer Patients During Treatment—A Systematic Review. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2013;88(3):573-93.
Irwin ML, McTiernan A, Manson JE, Thomson CA, Sternfeld B, Stefanick ML, et al. Physical Activity and Survival in Postmenopausal Women with Breast Cancer: Results from the Women's Health Initiative. Cancer Prev Res. 2011;4(4):522-9.
Ballard-Barbash R, Friedenreich CM, Courneya KS, Siddiqi SM, McTiernan A, Alfano CM. Physical Activity, Biomarkers, and Disease Outcomes in Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2012;104(11):815-40.
Baumann F, Reike A, Reimer V, Schumann M, Hallek M, Taaffe D, et al. Effects of Physical Exercise on Breast Cancer-Related Secondary Lymphedema: A Systematic Review. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2018;170:1-13.
Jones LW, Courneya KS, Peddle C, Mackey JR. Oncologists’ Opinions Towards Recommending Exercise to Patients with Cancer: A Canadian National Survey. Support Care Cancer. 2005;13:929-37.
Park J-H, Oh M, Yoon YJ, Lee CW, Jones LW, Kim SI, et al. Characteristics of Attitude and Recommendation of Oncologists Toward Exercise in South Korea: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study. BMC Cancer. 2015;15:1-10.
Adams J, Rauw J, Weller S, Campbell K, Pollock P, Goulart J. Physical Activity Recommendations for Cancer Survivors Living with Bony Metastases: Views of Oncologic Healthcare Providers. J Cancer Surviv. 2021;15:414-7.
Hardcastle SJ, Kane R, Chivers P, Hince D, Dean A, Higgs D, et al. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Oncologists and Oncology Health Care Providers in Promoting Physical Activity to Cancer Survivors: An International Survey. Support Care Cancer. 2018;26:3711-9.
Schwartz A, de Heer HD, Bea JW. Initiating Exercise Interventions to Promote Wellness in Cancer Patients and Survivors. Oncology (Williston Park). 2017;31(10):711.
Speed-Andrews AE, Courneya KS. Effects of Exercise on Quality of Life and Prognosis in Cancer Survivors. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2009;8(4):176-81.
Segal R, Zwaal C, Green E, Tomasone J, Loblaw A, Petrella T. Exercise for People with Cancer: A Clinical Practice Guideline. Curr Oncol. 2017;24(1):40-6.