JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) demonstrate high prevalence of obesity and higher cancer mortality compared to the general population. Interventions to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors after cancer diagnosis and prior to cancer surgery (prehab) could improve cancer outcomes.

Objective:

To characterize lifestyle behaviors of San Carlos Apache cancer survivors and identify preferences for the adaption of a prehab intervention.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews and validated questionnaires were completed with San Carlos Apache cancer survivors (n=4) exploring viewpoints on healthy lifestyle and cancer risk, and preferences for program development. Thematic content analysis was conducted.

Results:

Participants had an average BMI of 31 and walked 53 minutes daily. 75% reported high willingness to change their eating habits. 100% reported willingness to participate in a diet and exercise program. Important themes and subthemes were identified: 1. Cancer is perceived as a serious health condition in the community (100%), 2. Environmental exposures are perceived as cancer-causing threats (75%), 3. Healthy diet, exercise, and avoiding harmful substances are perceived as mitigating cancer risk (75%), 4. Barriers to healthy habits include distance to affordable groceries (75%) and lack of transportation (50%), 5.There is high interest in a prehab program geared toward cancer patients (100%), 6. Standard monitoring practiced in published prehab programs showed early acceptability with participants (100%).

Conclusions:

Collaboration with tribal partners provided important insight that can help inform the adaptation of a culturally appropriate prehab program for San Carlos Apache patients diagnosed with cancer.