C1
Survey of physical activity advice given to patients by breast cancer specialists
Sarah Bowden1, Amanda Daley1, Daniel Rea1, Lucinda Billingham1, Amtul Carmichael2
1University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK, 2Russells Hall Hospital, West Midlands, UK
Background
A 6-7% improvement in survival has been demonstrated in observational studies of breast cancer patients who undertake regular, moderate intensity physical activity (PA). Randomised controlled trials (RCT) have shown that PA also improves quality of life, physical functioning and psychological health. PA prompts from clinicians have been shown to increase PA levels in women treated for breast cancer. The purpose of this survey was to investigate whether UK clinicians routinely discuss PA with breast cancer patients and whether clinicians who are themselves physically active are more likely to give such advice.
Method
A brief postal questionnaire was sent to 710 consultant breast cancer oncologists and surgeons registered on the CRCTU database. Information on whether PA advice was given, the type of advice and the PA levels of the clinicians themselves was collected.
Results
102 (14.4%) clinicians from 65 hospitals in the UK responded. Most (55.9%) did not routinely discuss PA with patients. Those who did offer advice, focussed on the benefits of PA for physical and functional health gains and for weight control. A number advised patients that PA may improve survival, despite any evidence from RCT to support this. There was no association between the PA status of the clinician and the likelihood that they discussed PA with patients.
Conclusion
Breast cancer clinicians are well placed to promote PA but <45% do so. Educational strategies aimed at encouraging clinicians to promote PA are required.
