PARTICIPATION IN SPORTS BY LONG-TERM SURVIVORS OF CHILDHOOD-CANCER

The authors surveyed 251 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years who were long -term survivors of childhood cancer. The purpose of the study was twof old: to determine the proportion of survivors who participated in orga nized sports and to examine demographic, medical, and health-related v ariables that discriminated between participants and nonparticipants. A significantly greater percentage of the participants had access to a local health care provider and to health insurance than did nonpartic ipants. Participants also were more likely to engage in other forms of exercise. The findings are discussed in light of interventions that p romote health by targeting physical fitness and exercise for survivors of cancer and the resources necessary for them to engage in health-pr otective behaviors.