Evaluating a community-based exercise program for women cancer survivors

Area of Science:

• Oncology Nursing
• Rehabilitation Science
• Community Health

Background:

• Growing population of cancer survivors requires specialized care in community settings.
• Nurses face challenges in addressing the rehabilitative needs of cancer survivors.
• Exercise interventions are recognized for improving cancer survivors' quality of life (QOL).

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the impact of a community-based exercise program on women cancer survivors' QOL.
• To assess changes in psychosocial adjustment, mood, fatigue, and symptom distress.
• To inform community-based nursing practice and future research.

Main Methods:

• Pilot study utilizing a pretest, posttest one-group design.
• Data collected from two groups of women cancer survivors.
• Assessed demographics, psychosocial adjustment, mood states, fatigue, symptom distress, and QOL.

Main Results:

• Findings suggest exercise improved psychological well-being in some participants.
• Social well-being was also positively affected by the exercise intervention for some survivors.
• The study provides preliminary evidence for the benefits of community-based exercise.

Conclusions:

• Community-based exercise programs show potential for enhancing cancer survivors' QOL.
• Further research is warranted to optimize these interventions for diverse survivor populations.
• Community health nurses can play a vital role in implementing and supporting such programs.