Behaviour change post-diagnosis is recognised as desirable and relevant to cancer care outcomes, but is not a consistent, routine feature of cancer care. In a time of extreme pressure on health service delivery, it is important to consider what is most important and achievable in terms of integrating behaviour change treatment into cancer care. We will explore:
- The evidence relating to physical activity, smoking, nutrition and alcohol in relation to cancer outcomes
- Data on the costs and benefits of integrating behaviour change treatment into cancer care
- What implementation science research has to offer regarding integrating behaviour change treatment into routine care
- What an evidence-informed, holistic approach to behavioural treatment might look like
- What would be needed to achieve progress towards the ideal
In exploring these issues, real-world research examples will be described and discussed.