2128P - exerCise discussion with Oncologist duriNg caNcEr ConsultaTion: The CONNECT study

Background

Exercise (EX) is associated with a reduction in mortality and recurrence risk in patients (pts) with cancer and may help pts cope with treatment side effects and improve their quality of life. This study aims to explore the role of oncologists in promoting exercise in the oncological context.

Methods

A self-administered, anonymous questionnaire was proposed to pts visiting the outpatients’ facilities at the Oncology Unit of Verona Hospital. The questionnaire assessed demographic, health, and EX parameters. EX variables, drawn from a prior study, included: the level evaluated with Godin’s Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire and information regarding: whether EX was discussed; whether oncologists assess, advise, reinforce, and refer (AARR process) pts effort to exercising; and whether pts preferred that EX be discussed. Descriptive statistic, presented as mean, frequencies, and percentages, was applied.

Results

Overall, 202 pts completed the survey (76% response rate). The most frequent tumor types were upper gastrointestinal (45%) and breast (19%). Only 9% of pts were sufficiently active. Regarding the actual EX discussion, 29% of pts reported that their oncologist started a discussion about EX, 12% initiated the discussion themselves, and 60% referred that the issue was not considered. Concerning the AARR process, 26% of pts declared that their oncologists assessed their EX level, 14% and 33% received advice or reinforcement to increase their EX, respectively, and 9% were referred to an appropriate EX service. On the other hand, the items related to the preferred modality of EX discussion showed that 69% of pts thought that oncologists should initiate an EX-discussion, 3% that only pts should start the discussion, and 23% thought that EX should not be discussed.

Conclusions

Our preliminary results show that most pts are insufficiently active, and the majority stated that they did not discuss EX. Nevertheless, most pts would prefer that oncologists initiate a discussion about EX. According to these findings, strategies to support clinicians in promoting EX to their pts should be developed. Further pts’ enrollment is currently ongoing and a more updated analysis will be available for presentation at the ESMO Congress.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.