Barriers to physical activity in prostate cancer survivors

Despite the benefits of regular physical activity (PA), many prostate cancer (PCa) survivors are not engaging in sufficient PA to achieve health-related gain. This qualitative study sought to gain further insight regarding barriers to PA in older-aged PCa survivors.

Sixteen participants were individually interviewed, and data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach.

Six main themes affecting perceived barriers for PA post diagnosis were identified: the effects of the PCa and PCa treatments on PA, urinary incontinence and bowel control, pre-existing comorbid conditions, increased age, time constraints and lack of proximity to PA or exercise venues.

Only two of the six barriers identified directly related to having had PCa. With an increase in PCa survivorship, an active focus needs to be placed on the role that PA can have in helping maintain and improve both the physical and psychological health-related outcomes of PCa survivors.