Physical activity assessment among men undergoing genetic counseling for inherited prostate cancer: a teachable moment for improved survivorship

Background Genetic counseling (GC) presents an opportunity to address modifiable cancer risk factors, such as obesity, which is impacted by non-adherence to physical activity (PA) guidelines. Adherence to PA guidelines has not been assessed among men undergoing GC for prostate cancer (PCA). We conducted a targeted analysis of men undergoing PCA GC to assess adherence to PA recommendations. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, a total of 158 men from the Genetic Evaluation of Men (GEM) study at two academic cancer centers with a diagnosis or at risk for PCA completed a structured lifestyle survey, including questions about the number of days and intensity of PA over the past year. One-sample t tests assessed adherence of participants to PA recommendations. Chi-square analyses compared differences in PA adherence by PCA status, aggressiveness, family history, and body mass index. Logistic regression analyses identified predictors of PA adherence. Results High proportions of GEM participants were overweight (44.9%) or obese (38.0%, p = 0.002). Men with PCA engaged in less moderate ( p = 0.019) and vigorous ( p = 0.005) aerobic activity than men without PCA. Higher education was predictive of adherence to light ( p = 0.008), moderate ( p = 0.019), and vigorous ( p = 0.002) intensity PA. Older age ( p = 0.015) and higher education ( p = 0.001) were predictive of adherence to strength-based recommendations. Conclusions High proportions of men receiving PCA GC were overweight/obese and lacked adherence to PA recommendations. GC represents a teachable moment to address PA to reduce cancer risk and promote cancer survivorship.