An exploration of health perceptions and factors influencing participation in health behaviours in cancer survivors

Abstract

Background: The purpose of the study was to explore colorectal cancer survivors’ health perceptions following cessation of active treatment for cancer and to explore the factors influencing participation in health-promoting behaviours that may help reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Methods: Face-to-face interviews were conducted with participants that had completed active treatment for cancer within the previous two years. Participants were colorectal cancer survivors (N = 24, men =11, women = 13 M age = 69.38 years, SD = 4.19) recruited from a private hospital in Perth, Australia on the basis that they had existing morbidities that put them at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: Seven main themes emerged: back to normal; the pleasures in life: “is it worth it�; beliefs about health behaviour; Lack of knowledge concerning healthy eating and physical activity; conflicting information; desire for support and lack of motivation to change diet or physical activity. The majority of participants felt they were in good health and had made a full recovery. Participants questioned whether it was worth changing their lifestyle given their life stage. Lay health beliefs, scepticism of eating guidelines, and a lack of motivation were barriers to change. Discussion: Interventions should target lay beliefs and scepticism in relation to health behaviours in order to reinforce the importance and value of participating in health-related behaviour. Findings may inform the development of effective, patient-centred interventions that target lay health beliefs and build motivation for health behaviour change.