Top Barriers to Adopting Healthy Habits in Cancer Patients Revealed

Lack of energy and physical limitations emerge as the biggest hurdles, according to a national survey.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A recent national survey of cancer patients found that the top barriers to adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors like exercise and diet were lack of energy (58.7%) and physical limitations (52%). Cost (46.8%) and lack of motivation (40.2%) were also cited as major obstacles, with significant differences reported across disease stage and treatment status groups.

Why it matters

Healthy lifestyle behaviors can greatly impact cancer survivors' quality of life, but this survey highlights the significant challenges patients face in making sustainable changes. Understanding these barriers is crucial for developing tailored interventions to better support cancer patients throughout their treatment and recovery.

The details

The survey, conducted by researchers from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), collected data from 1,987 adult cancer patients in the U.S. between March and June 2020. Participants were divided into groups by disease stage and treatment status: early-stage on-treatment, early-stage post-treatment, and metastatic on-treatment. Respondents rated the extent to which various factors, such as lack of motivation, time, and resources, impeded their ability to engage in healthy lifestyle changes.

  • The survey was conducted from March to June 2020.

The players

American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)

A professional organization for physicians and oncology professionals that conducted the survey.

Rebekah L. Wilson, PhD

A researcher from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston who led the study.

Jennifer A. Ligibel, MD

A researcher from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston who co-authored the study.

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What they’re saying

“These findings reinforce the need for tailored interventions to help support lifestyle changes throughout cancer treatment, recognizing the impact that patient, disease, and treatment factors have on the uptake and maintenance of physical activity, diet, and weight management programs in patients with cancer.”

— Rebekah L. Wilson, PhD, Researcher, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (JCO Oncology Practice)

What’s next

The researchers plan to use the survey findings to develop and test new programs and interventions aimed at helping cancer patients overcome the identified barriers to adopting healthy lifestyle habits.

The takeaway

This survey highlights the significant physical, financial, and motivational challenges that cancer patients face in making healthy lifestyle changes, underscoring the need for more tailored support and resources to help this population improve their quality of life during and after treatment.