Investigating the Preferences and Requirements of Patients and Healthcare Providers for a Physical Activity Program During Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer - Scorecard - MDSpire

Investigating the Preferences and Requirements of Patients and Healthcare Providers for a Physical Activity Program During Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

  • By

  • D. Carolina Andrade

  • Loni Parrish

  • Courtney Harriss

  • Lindsay L. Peterson

  • Ryan P. Duncan

  • Jingqin Luo

  • Maura M. Kepper

  • Christine Marx

  • Mary C. Politi

  • Elizabeth A. Salerno

  • December 12, 2025

  • 0 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Investigating the Preferences and Requirements of Patients and Healthcare Providers for a Physical Activity Program During Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionBreast Cancer
Key MechanismsPhysical activity (PA) improves physical and mental health, reduces depressive symptoms, and may enhance cognitive function during chemotherapy.
Target PopulationWomen with stage I-III breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.
Care SettingOncology clinics and comprehensive cancer centers.

Key Highlights

  • Physical activity is associated with fewer depressive symptoms in breast cancer survivors.
  • Early intervention (prehabilitation) can mitigate treatment side effects.
  • Barriers to PA program implementation include time constraints and lack of referral infrastructure.
  • Patient and clinician preferences are crucial for designing effective PA interventions.
  • Emerging evidence suggests PA may improve cognitive function in cancer survivors.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Confirm diagnosis of breast cancer (stage I-III) and assess eligibility for PA programs.

Management

  • Implement prehabilitation PA programs during chemotherapy to enhance patient outcomes.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Utilize accelerometers and questionnaires to monitor cognitive function and mood during chemotherapy.

Risks

  • Consider emotional overwhelm and time demands as barriers to patient participation in PA programs.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Women over 18 years with stage I-III breast cancer scheduled for curative-intent surgery and chemotherapy.

No additional PA prescription was provided; the study focused on understanding patient needs and preferences.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Engage patients early in the treatment process to discuss PA options.
  • Incorporate clinician feedback to enhance program design and implementation.
  • Address organizational barriers to improve referral and buy-in for PA interventions.

References

Original Source(s)

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