LAUSR

BACKGROUND/AIM Physical activities are an essential part of patients' rehabilitation in oncology. For cancer patients special sport groups for rehabilitation exist and are reimbursed by the statutory health system. The aim of our study was to evaluate patients' knowledge and acceptance of these offers and their actual sportive engagement. PATIENTS AND METHODS We used a standardized questionnaire which was distributed in medical oncology and ENT oncology practice. RESULTS From 200 questionnaires, we got 155 (76%) answers (83 females, 71 males, mean age was 64.8±12.0 years. A total of 80 patients had current cancer therapy. Sportive activity was decreasing from 71% before cancer, to 50% during therapy, to 40% after anticancer treatment. Only 24% of participants were informed about local offers for cancer patients. The 38% of our patients would like to become more active. Gender, former sportive experience, favourite disciplines, and the type of cancer are factors with a high impact on patient's affinity to physical exercise. CONCLUSION The presented screening tool offers first and fast information about the patient's affinity to sports and helps the oncologist to offer patients individualized training concepts.