Physical activity interventions for Asian Americans in cancer prevention and control: a scoping review

Despite the well-documented benefits of physical activity (PA) for cancer prevention and control, most PA interventions have not been tailored for Asian Americans (AsA), who face rising cancer incidence and a slower decrease in cancer mortality compared to other racial groups. This study aims to systematically review the PA interventions designed for AsA to prevent or manage cancer outcomes. A systematic search of five databases identified interventional studies with PA-promoting components in Asian American adults for cancer prevention or control, published before June 27, 2025, following the Cochrane Collaboration's PRISMA guidelines. The systematic review identified 860 articles, with five studies meeting inclusion criteria, including four focused on cancer prevention and one on cancer control. Study populations included Filipinos (n = 2), Chinese (n = 1), Koreans (n = 1), and a mixed Asian and Hispanic group (n = 1). Studies were conducted in California (n = 2), Texas (n = 2), and New York (n = 1), with sample sizes ranging from 45 to 1,054 participants and program durations of 8 weeks to 18 months. Only one study exclusively targeted PA promotion; others included components like cancer screening and dietary interventions. All studies incorporated cultural adaptations, primarily language, while some featured culturally specific exercises and social apps. PA was self-reported in all studies, showing improvements post-intervention but limiting accuracy. These findings highlight the potential of PA interventions for AsA in cancer prevention and control, though their urban focus raises concerns about rural accessibility. Future efforts should prioritize rural outreach, enhance cultural adaptations, and assess long-term effectiveness and sustainability.