Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Patterns Among Korean Cancer Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Analysis (2017–2021)

TL;DR

This study found that Korean cancer survivors are less physically active and more sedentary than non-cancer individuals, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into physical activity and sedentary behavior trends among Korean cancer survivors from 2017 to 2021.

Findings

Cancer survivors showed significantly lower adherence to aerobic activity guidelines compared to cancer-free individuals.

Transportation-related activity made up the largest portion of physical activity among cancer survivors.

Sedentary time increased among cancer survivors from 8.1 hours/day in 2017 to 9.0 hours/day in 2021.

Abstract

Physical activity is closely linked to cancer prevention, recovery, and managing treatment-related side effects throughout the cancer care continuum. However, most cancer survivors face a struggle with maintaining an active lifestyle and often spend long periods marked with sedentary behaviors compared to individuals without cancer. This study examined the annual variations in physical activity and sedentary behaviors among Korean cancer survivors between 2017 and 2021, comparing them to those without cancer. We found cancer survivors were less likely to meet the recommended levels of aerobic activity, and much of their movement was related to transportation rather than leisure activity. These findings suggest that the need for a broader strategy that not only promotes physical activity but also reduces prolonged sitting. Supporting behavioral change through social and financial support, along with culturally appropriate programs, may help cancer survivors develop healthier and more sustainable movement habits.

Background/Objectives: This study examined differences in physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior among Korean cancer survivors compared to cancer-free individuals from 2017 to 2021 and identified differences based on their cancer treatment status. Methods: We used data for 28,528 adults (1585 cancer survivors and 26,943 cancer-free individuals) from the 2017–2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. PA and sedentary behavior were assessed using the Korean version of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. We examined adherence to aerobic and resistance training guidelines, domain-specific activity, and sedentary time. We also analyzed the descriptive statistics and conducted chi-square tests, the Mann–Whitney U test, and the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test, stratified by demographic and clinical subgroups. Results: Compared with cancer-free individuals, cancer survivors showed significantly lower adherence to aerobic PA guidelines in 2017 (p < 0.01), 2018 (p < 0.05), and 2021 (p < 0.01). Transportation-related activity accounted for the highest share of the total PA (mean: 59.1%). Sedentary time increased among survivors from 8.1 h/day (2017) to 9.0 h/day (2021). In 2021, resistance training adherence was higher among survivors (24.7%) than among non-cancer individuals (22.9%). In the subgroup analyses, male sex, younger age, recent diagnosis, higher income, and living with a spouse were associated with higher adherence. Conclusions: The findings underscore a clear need to address both PA and sedentary behavior in cancer survivors, irrespective of treatment phase.

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