Dr Alice Simon
Health Behaviour Research Centre
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health
University College London
London, UK
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hbrc/index.html
Project title
Feasibility study of a personally tailored distance-based multiple behaviour change intervention in colorectal cancer survivors (2010/243)
Scientific Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK and the second most common cause of cancer death. However the five-year survival rate is now over 50%, rising to 90% for those diagnosed at the earliest stage. Consequently the number of colorectal cancer survivors is rising. However cancer survivors may experience recurrence, and they have an increased risk of developing second primary cancers and other chronic disease, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. They also often experience reduced quality of life, impaired physical function and fatigue.
Recent evidence suggests that health behaviours such as diet and physical activity may help ameliorate some of these health sequelae. Recent studies have also shown cancer survivors are interested in receiving advice on healthful lifestyles and are motivated to make changes. However few studies have examined the potential of interventions to elicit health behaviour change in colorectal cancer survivors soon after treatment completion.
Objectives: To determine if colorectal cancer survivors can be recruited to and comply with a behaviour change intervention soon after completion of curative treatment.
Setting and methods: This 12-week feasibility study is evaluating a distance-based, personally tailored, multiple-behaviour intervention designed to increase fruit and vegetable consumption, reduce red and processed meat intake, and increase physical activity.
The intervention will involve delivery of written information describing the benefits of a healthy diet and physical activity after colorectal cancer, giving information on fruit and vegetable portion sizes, meal ideas, example home-based exercises, and including a 6-week walking plan. Participants will also receive bi-weekly telephone consultations designed to promote behaviour change in accordance with self-regulation theory.
Thirty participants will be recruited from five London hospitals. On conclusion of the study, process evaluation including questionnaires and in-depth interviews will be conducted. This will determine whether the intervention is deemed acceptable and if participants are able to comply with this intervention, i.e. did they receive all scheduled telephone consultations and set weekly goals.
Impact: Results of this study will determine if there is interest in such an intervention among colorectal cancer patients who have recently completed curative treatment, and in turn, if it is a feasible approach.
This information will then inform the development of a larger randomised control trial to determine the efficacy of such an intervention with regards to behaviour change and impact on quality of life.
Project plain language abstract
Title: Are bowel cancer survivors interested in a personalised lifestyle plan to increase physical activity and improve their diet, and do they find it useful?
Background: Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK, with over 100 people diagnosed with the disease every day. However, with advances in treatment and better detection more people are surviving the disease, with up to 90% living for at least 5 years if the cancer is caught early. While this is very encouraging for anyone who is diagnosed with bowel cancer, we now know that many cancer survivors experience other health problems such as getting a new cancer, heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis (bone thinning). Additionally they often report an impaired quality of life, severe tiredness, and increased difficulties doing day-to-day activities. Some recent scientific research has found that lifestyle factors such as physical activity and a healthy diet may help improve or even prevent some of these problems. Other studies have shown that patients are often motivated to make lifestyle changes after cancer and would like information on the best way of improving their own health. Unfortunately there has been very little research that has looked at the best way to provide this information or to help patients make these improvements to their lifestyle.
Aims and goals: The main aim of this study is to determine if patients are interested in taking part in a project to improve their lifestyle, if the suggestions in the study are workable and helpful, and if patients are willing to take part in the two-weekly phone calls over the 12 week treatment.
How will it be done? The study will include 30 patients who have recently finished treatment for bowel cancer at five different hospitals in London. Patients will be sent a letter giving information about the study asking them if they would be interested in taking part the study. Those who agree to take part will be sent personalised, written information in the post explaining how a healthy diet and physical activity can be beneficial after bowel cancer. Examples of portion sizes of fruit and vegetables, ideas for healthy meals, example exercises that can be done in the home and a 6-week walking plan will also be included. Participants will also receive a telephone call every two weeks (for 3 months) from the study co-ordinator to help them set goals and make gradual changes to their lifestyle. At the end of the study, each participant will be asked if they found the project helpful, and what changes they recommend to improve the study (with a different research doing the interviews than did the intervention).
Potential impact: The results will help researchers decide if the project is helpful for patients who have recently finished treatment for bowel cancer, and how it could be improved. A larger study can then be designed, the results of which will determine if such a project is successful in improving patients lifestyles.
| Institution and location | Degree | Year | Scientific field |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nottingham University, UK | BA Hons | 1997 | Philosophy & Psychology |
| Southampton University, UK | MSc | 2000 | Health Psychology |
| University College London, UK | PhD | 2006 | Epidemiology and Public Health |
| 2007-Present | Research Associate, Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, UCL, UK |
| 2000-2002 | Research Psychologist, Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, UCL, UK |
