Strategies to promote regular exercise in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer are at increased risk for current and future health problems and premature death. Given the known risks for increased mortality and morbidity, fostering the development of exercise behaviors that may target the specific late effects experienced by AYA cancer survivors is crucial for healthy aging. Exercise is particularly important in the mitigation of late effects as it alters metabolic pathways that ultimately influence the development of chronic diseases associated with cancer treatment in AYAs. Despite the importance of exercise, a large proportion of AYA survivors do not meet recommended guidelines for exercise. The current review summarizes the beneficial effects of exercise in AYA survivors, evaluates strategies utilized in interventions that have been developed to address exercise engagement, and provides recommendations for psychosocial strategies on how to improve these behaviors in this population. A total of nine empirical articles examining exercise interventions in AYAs with a history of cancer were included for review. While several exercise strategies appear promising, more research is needed to evaluate long-term influence of strategies on exercise engagement, as well as the interactions these strategies have on AYA exercise maintenance and health outcomes as they continue into adulthood. Future interventions should evaluate key psychosocial strategies to increase both short- and long-term exercise adherence as well as overall health benefits. Keywords: oncology, physical activity, adolescents, young adults