Identifying Environments Associated with Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour in Older Colorectal Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors experience a reduction in their quality of life (QOL), even after completing treatment. Physical activity (PA) can improve QOL, but most CRC survivors are not active enough to receive benefits. Moreover, cancer survivors engage in more sedentary behaviour (SB) than the general population, which is also linked to risk of disease. The built environment can influence an individual’s activity level, particularly in those who are less inclined to be active. This study identified locations where CRC survivors were active and sedentary, and correlated time spent in PA and SB with QOL. The immediate home environment was found to be the main location for light- and moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA, as well as SB. Moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA was positively correlated with physical QOL, while more time spent sedentary was negatively correlated with QOL. Implications for activity interventions to improve QOL in CRC survivors are discussed, including location-based recommendations.