Physical Activity Preferences Among a Population-Based Sample of Colorectal Cancer Survivors

Physical activity (PA) is associated with improvements in health in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors, however participation rates are low. A better understanding of how to promote PA in this population is needed. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the key PA programming and counseling preferences of CRC survivors. METHODS: Participants were 600 CRC survivors (34% response rate) identified through the Alberta Cancer Registry who returned completed mailed surveys that included measures of self-reported PA, medical and demographic variables, and PA preferences. RESULTS: Most CRC survivors indicated that they were interested (78.3%) and able (81.4%) to participate in a PA program. The most common PA preferences of CRC survivors were to receive PA counseling from a fitness expert at a cancer centre (44.3%), receive PA information in the form of print materials (59.8%), start a PA program after cancer treatment (68.9%), do PA at home (53.3%), and walk in both the summer and winter (48.5% and 36.8% respectively). Chi-square analyses identified that age, education, annual family income, and current PA were the demographic variables most consistently associated with PA preferences. CONCLUSION: The majority of CRC survivors expressed an interest in PA program participation and key PA preferences were identified. These preferences may be useful for developing and implementing successful PA interventions for CRC survivors.