Health beliefs and barriers to physical activity among cancer survivors in California

Objective: We examined self-rated health and physical activity among cancer survivors. Methods: We used a cross-sectional analysis of the 2009 and 2010 California Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (N = 20,006). Results: Barriers were more common among survivors (36% for <5 years, 39% for 5+ years) than cancer-free adults (18%). Survivors who met physical activity guidelines more frequently reported better self-rated health, compared to their sedentary counterparts. Physically active female cancer survivors were 91% more likely to have better self-rated health status, compared to their sedentary counterparts. However, physically active male cancer survivors were only 11% more likely to have better self-rated health, compared to their sedentary counterparts. Conclusions: Healthy aging among male and female cancer survivors will depend on increased attention to improving functional capacity and health beliefs as a determinant of participation.