Pathways to health

Physical activity is essential for optimising women’s recovery from breast cancer. Women who remain or become active during and/or after their treatment report better treatment adherence, reduced treatment-related morbidity, improved physical function and quality of life. Effective physical activity programs have been delivered to women with breast cancer via face-to- face, print and telephone contact, but no previous programs had been delivered via the Internet.

Members of ihop worked to translate the previously effective Exercise for Health program into web-delivered program called ‘Pathways to Health’. The program provided personalized exercise information, and support from an exercise physiologist, and also included interactive activities to assist women make exercise a part of everyday life. A user-focused approach was used to ensure the  program met women’s needs. In 2009 we conducted interviews with the women who have previously been involved in the Exercise for Health program, along with testing the ‘look and feel’ of a website prototype.  Once this program is considered user friendly by women we will be conducting a new trial to evaluate its ability to support women to increase their physical activity.