A Study of Physical Activity in Cancer Survivors

Improving Physical Activity in Rural Cancer Survivors

The purpose of this study is to determine if increasing physical activity (PA) will increase physical functioning, as measured by cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and balance in underserved adult cancer survivors > 60 years of age and/or those of any age residing at a rural address. Also, to determine if increasing PA will increase quality of life (QOL), as measured by physical functioning and fatigue, in underserved cancer survivors >60 years of age and/or those of any age residing at a rural address.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult, cancer survivors (no active disease) at Mayo Clinic Health System (MCHS) in Northwest Wisconsin (NWWI), Southwest Wisconsin (SWWI), Southeast Minnesota (SEMN), or Southwest Minnesota (SWMN)
• Any stage cancer
• Age >= 18 years residing at a rural address (as defined by Rural America, census.gov Urban Areas 2020 metric)
• Age ≥ 18 years residing at a rural address (as defined by Rural America, census.gov)
• Completed active treatment of surgery, (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy, and/or (neo) adjuvant radiation. Patients receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy therapies are eligible.
• Ownership of a computer/tablet/smartphone with internet access.
• Willingness to create a google account and maintain the account for use of the Fitbit
• Willingness and ability to attend study visits.
• Must be able to complete semi-tandem (10 seconds), side-by-side tandem [10 seconds and short physical performance batters(SPPB)] Score of 6 or greater to qualify for virtual exercise.
• Must be ambulatory without the use of assisted device(s).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Receiving surgery, (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy, (neo) adjuvant radiation, palliative treatment
• Are already performing >150 minutes/week of moderate activity or 75 min/week of vigorous physical activity
• Cancer-free for greater than 5 years
• Unable to complete weekly interventions/exercise due to traveling or unable to be active for more than 7 consecutive days.
• Squamous cell or basal cell skin cancers (melanoma still eligible)
• Stage 0/in situ vulvar/cervical cancers