Promotion of physical activity among oncologists in the United States

Promotion of physical activity by health care providers has been found to positively influence the levels of physical activity in patients. The primary purpose of this study was to examine physical activity promotion practices of oncologists in the United States. Secondary purposes were to examine oncologists' perceptions of the benefits of physical activity for cancer survivors and barriers for promotion of physical activity. Of 702 medical and radiation oncologists in the United States invited to participate in the mailed survey, 199 oncologists responded to the survey (response rate, 30%). Approximately 64% of oncologists inquired about their patients' physical activity on some or most visits. Logistic regression indicated that oncologists who had been practicing > or =10 years (OR [odds ratio] = 2.52), were themselves physically active (OR = 1.99), or were medical oncologists (OR = 2.25) were the most likely to recommend physical activity to their patients. "Reducing the risk of recurrence" was rated lowest of all the potential benefits of physical activity for cancer patients. "Insufficient time" was rated the highest as a barrier to promotion of physical activity. Some oncologists are still not discussing physical activity with their patients. A number of barriers and perceptions of the benefits of physical activity may influence such discussions.