[Factors influencing active lifestyle beyond cancer in metropolitan France: The DEFACTO qualitative study]

Adopting and maintaining an active lifestyle, including regular physical activity and limiting prolonged sedentary behaviour, are recommended beyond cancer. However, achieving these recommendations is not always straightforward for patients. The aim of this study is to identify factors that contribute to an active lifestyle post-cancer, based on individuals' experiences.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 individuals who had completed treatments for breast, lung, colorectal, or prostate cancer. A content analysis was performed using NVivo® software.

The socio-ecological model highlights the influence of micro-, meso-, and macro-level environments. The micro-level includes individual perceptions of an active lifestyle, coping strategies, and priority management. The meso-level highlights social and family support, preparation for post-cancer phase by healthcare professionals, and accessibility of resources. The macro-level addresses perceived inconsistencies in public health messaging from the media, urban air quality, policies for securing active mobility spaces, reimbursement of services, and the relationship between urban settings and hospitals.

The factors influencing an active lifestyle are interdependent and complex, and their diversity necessitates a multimodal and comprehensive support approach, including educational interventions on modifiable factors.