Evaluation Framework

There is increasing interest in promoting physical activity to people living with and beyond cancer. This builds on evidence which shows that physical activity can help improve physical function, and help maintain independence and wellbeing. However, there is a need to improve the evidence base for the effectiveness of such interventions. This evidence can come from academic research studies, but it is also important to learn from the experiences of projects and interventions that are taking place in health and community settings. Such projects need to be carefully evaluated to ensure that they are reaching their objectives, and to increase our understanding of what works. However, many evaluations have tended to use different outcome measures, and record different data at different stages of the project;  making it difficult to draw overall conclusions and to compare differing approaches.

The Cancer and physical activity standard evaluation framework  (CaPASEF) aims to help standardise the evaluations being conducted, by setting out agreed outcome measures. The emphasis is on a core set of measures that should be taken before the intervention, and again afterwards and which can be used in a variety of settings from formal research studies through to practical evaluations. The framework has been developed through consultation with a wide variety of stakeholders including cancer experts, project managers and cancer survivors. In agreeing these core measures, tools which satisfy a number of criteria, including being well validated, and easy to use in a practical setting, have been selected.

Metastatic Bone Disease

In general, there is a lack of clear information on how much and what types of activity are safe to recommend for those with metastatic bone disease (MBD). Macmillan’s guidance ‘Physical activity for people with metastatic bone disease‘ aims to address that gap. It is intended for use by all healthcare professionals who come into contact with people living with cancer, including nurses, dietitians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and doctors.