The Development of Can Walk Can Run: A Walking and Running Program for People Living With and Beyond Cancer

Finding new ways to support physical activity participation after cancer is an important challenge. This research aimed to develop a walking and running program that could support people living with and beyond cancer to participate in fun run-style events.

Mixed methods research that followed guidance for developing complex interventions was conducted in 2 phases. Phase 1 included a review of published evidence, stakeholder consultation, and co-design workshops, which were used to develop an initial program protocol. Phase 2 included iterative piloting of the program, via delivery of it prior to 3 separately sponsored fun runs, to test and refine the protocol.

In Phase 1, 38 reviews, identified via systematic search, 15 stakeholders, including potential program referrers, managers or sponsors, and 8 co-design participants, including people with lived experience of cancer, and program delivery staff contributed to the initial protocol development. Protocol elements generated, included selection of location and delivery staff, tailoring of physical activity content, use of inclusive language, and strategies to support social connection. In Phase 2, 17 participants with lived experience of cancer participated in the program during iterative piloting. Protocol modifications, included expansion of the program goals beyond fun run participation, as well as the development of remote support strategies to facilitate continued engagement and further opportunities for physical activity prescription.

Utilizing an iterative methodological approach and being open to protocol change allowed us to address the preferences of diverse stakeholders and to optimize the practical program aspects prior to larger scale trials.