Perceived Facilitators and Barriers Inform Young Adult Cancer Survivors' Preferences for Physical Activity and Diet Interventions: A Qualitative Study.

Competing demands and time constraints emerged as a major barrier to physical activity and healthy eating among young adult cancer survivors.

• This was one of five major themes identified through applied thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews
• Young adults aged 20-30 face unique life-stage demands including education, employment, and social obligations that compete with health behavior engagement
• Participants were an average age of 26 years (SD = 2.4)
• Most participants were unmarried (83%), suggesting they may lack household support structures that could reduce time burden

Symptom burden and a desire for credible, flexible support were identified as both a barrier and an intervention preference among young adult cancer survivors.

• This theme was one of five emerging from coded transcripts organized using Social Cognitive Theory constructs
• Participants expressed wanting support that was both credible (e.g., from knowledgeable sources) and flexible enough to accommodate fluctuating symptom burden
• Common cancer diagnoses included thyroid cancer (20%), lymphoid cancers (17%), and sarcoma (13%), which carry varied symptom profiles
• Interviews lasted between 30 and 88 minutes (M = 52 minutes), suggesting substantial depth of discussion around this topic

Previous habits, self-efficacy, and community building were identified as facilitators of healthy lifestyle behaviors.

• This theme reflects Social Cognitive Theory constructs, specifically self-efficacy as a driver of behavior change
• Prior engagement in healthy behaviors and confidence in one's ability to maintain them were noted as positive influences
• Community building was identified as a facilitator, suggesting group-based or peer-support intervention components may be beneficial
• The sample was racially and ethnically diverse, with 60% identifying as non-Hispanic and 60% as White, allowing some variation in perspectives on community and social norms

Social support played a dual role, functioning as both a facilitator and a barrier to healthy lifestyle behaviors.

• Social support was identified as its own distinct theme, reflecting its complex and sometimes contradictory influence
• Social networks could encourage healthy behaviors but could also undermine them (e.g., social eating norms, unsolicited advice, or pressure)
• 83% of participants identified as women, a group for whom social dynamics and relational contexts often heavily influence health behaviors
• This dual role suggests interventions should be designed to leverage positive social support while mitigating negative social influences

Cancer diagnosis served as a catalyst for behavior change, motivating some young adult survivors to adopt healthier lifestyles.

• This was the fifth major theme identified in the qualitative analysis
• The cancer experience itself created a 'teachable moment' that increased motivation for physical activity and healthy eating
• This finding suggests that the period following diagnosis or treatment may be a particularly opportune time for lifestyle intervention delivery
• Authors note findings can inform 'the timing, content, and modality of tailored interventions'

The study enrolled a racially and ethnically diverse sample of 30 young adult cancer survivors recruited through an Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program.

• Participants were recruited through the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program at Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida, USA
• N = 30; mean age 26 years (SD = 2.4); age range 20-30 years
• 60% identified as non-Hispanic, 60% as White, 83% as women, 83% as unmarried, and 67% reported annual household income ≥$40,000
• Most common diagnoses were thyroid cancer (20%), lymphoid cancers (17%), and sarcoma (13%)
• Semi-structured interviews were analyzed using applied thematic analysis; transcripts were coded in NVivo 12 Plus

Many young adult cancer survivors aged 20-30 do not meet the American Cancer Society's guidelines for physical activity and healthy eating, placing them at increased risk for chronic health conditions.

• This population is described as being at 'increased risk for chronic health conditions, influenced by modifiable lifestyle behaviors'
• The study was guided by Social Cognitive Theory to explore facilitators and barriers in this specific age group
• The 20-30 age range represents a distinct developmental period with unique lifestyle challenges not shared by older cancer survivor populations
• The goal of the study was to use these findings to inform tailored, survivor-centered interventions