Practitioner perceptions on the use of exercise and nutritional interventions for patients with breast cancer receiving radiation therapy

Abstract Introduction Radiation therapy treatment for breast cancer may negatively impact patients' health‐related quality of life. Evidence suggests exercise and nutrition interventions may be beneficial to patients experiencing compromised health‐related quality of life. This study investigates whether radiation oncology practitioners support the implementation of a tailored exercise and nutrition intervention for patients and explores their interest in participating in training for exercise and nutrition as interventions. Methods Data were collected by an online survey, deployed to public and private radiation oncology departments, across three Australian states (Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland). The survey was completed between June and August 2020. Radiation oncologists, radiation oncology registrars, radiation therapists and radiation oncology nurses completed the survey. The survey included demographics, patient assessment and questions regarding the radiation oncology practitioners' use of exercise and nutrition as interventions. Results Of 192 practitioners targeted, 76 completed the survey, for a response rate of 40%. Of 76 respondents, 42% ‘sometimes’ recommended exercise and 41% ‘sometimes’ recommended nutrition as health‐related quality of life interventions to their patients. The majority indicated they would benefit from more training in these subjects, with 58% for exercise and 55% for nutrition. 47 per cent of respondents thought patients would benefit from a tailored exercise and nutrition programme and 62% agreed they would refer patients to a programme if it were available. Conclusions Radiation oncology practitioners reported they need training in exercise and nutrition to better understand how this can benefit the health‐related quality of life of breast cancer patients. Also, the findings indicate that if such an exercise and nutrition intervention were readily available, practitioners would refer patients who may benefit from this intervention.