Relationship over time between psychological distress and physical activity in colorectal cancer survivors

Abstract

Purpose Increased physical activity in patients with colorectal cancer is related to improved recurrence-free and overall survival. Psychological distress after cancer may place patients at risk of reduced physical activity, but paradoxically may also act as a motivator for lifestyle change. The relationship between psychological distress and physical activity after cancer over time has not been described. Methods A prospective survey of 1,966 (57% response) colorectal cancer survivors assessed the psychological distress variables of anxiety, depression, somatization, and cancer threat appraisal as predictors of physical activity at 5, 12, 24, and 36 months postdiagnosis; 978 respondents had..