Physical activity among lung cancer survivors: changes across the cancer trajectory and associations with quality of life

Abstract

Background: Regular physical activity may offer benefits to lung cancer survivors, many of whom experience quality-of-life (QOL) impairments. However, little is know about lung cancer survivors' engagement in physical activity across the cancer trajectory. The current study addressed this research gap and also examined the association between lung cancer survivors' physical activity and their QOL.

Methods: The study participants were 175 individuals who completed surgical treatment for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer 1 to 6 years previously. Participants completed a one-time survey regarding their current QOL and their engagement in physical activities currently, during the 6 months after treatment, and during the 6 months before diagnosis.

Results: Participants' reported engagement in both moderate and strenuous intensity activities was lower during the post-treatment period compared with before diagnosis and at the current time. Engagement in light intensity activities did not differ for the three time points. Almost two-thirds of participants did not engage in sufficient activity to meet national physical activity guidelines for any of the three time points. Lung cancer survivors who currently met physical activity guidelines reported better QOL in multiple domains than less active individuals.

Conclusions: Engagement in physical activity among lung cancer survivors is particularly low during the early post-treatment period. Current engagement in physical activity is associated with better QOL. However, most lung cancer survivors do not meet physical activity guidelines and may benefit from interventions to promote engagement in regular physical activities.