This study analyzed exercise amounts, preferences, and barriers among individuals without cancer (Group 1), individuals diagnosed with colorectal, breast, endometrial, or prostate cancer within the past 5 years (Group 2), and those diagnosed >5 years ago (Group 3) in China. We included individuals aged 18 to 75 from a Chinese university hospital in 2021. Groups 1, 2, and 3 comprised 162, 154, and 157 individuals, respectively. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using analysis of variance, Chi-square analysis, correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis. Patients with cancer and survivors reported lower amounts of total, moderate-intensity, and vigorous-intensity exercise than healthy individuals, whereas no difference existed in the amount of low-intensity exercise. The exercise barriers differed significantly among the 3 groups, except for psychological barriers. Exercise preferences also differed significantly among the 3 groups. Multiple regression analysis identified physical barriers, family-related barriers, and preferences for exercise venue, intensity, and type as significant predictors of total exercise amount. It is vital to address long-term exercise barriers faced by patients with cancer and survivors, especially those diagnosed within the last 5 years, who show more physical limitations, fewer resources, and lower motivation. Tailored strategies should consider survivors’ preferences to promote exercise participation.
Wang et al. (2026) studied this question.