Background: Patient and public involvement (PPI) in health research is on the rise worldwide. Within cancer research, PPI ensures that the rapid development of medical and technological opportunities for diagnostics, treatment and care corresponds with the needs and priorities of people affected by cancer. An overview of the experiences, outcomes and quality of recent PPI in cancer research would provide valuable information for future research.Objective: To describe the current state of PPI in cancer research focusing on the research stages, applied methods, stated purposes and outcomes, and challenges and recommendations.Methods: A search was conducted on PubMed, CINAHL and PsycINFO for literature published from December 2006 to April 2017. Original research studies describing the involvement of cancer patients, stakeholders and carers as active partners at any stage of the research process were included.Results: Twenty‐seven studies were included, the majority reporting PPI at the early stages of research, that is, during the definition and prioritization of research topics and the development of recruitment strategies. Few studies reported PPI at later stages and across the research process. Challenges and recommendations were only briefly described, and critical reflection on the PPI process was lacking.Conclusion: PPI needs to be integrated more broadly in the cancer research process. The quality of reporting PPI should be strengthened through greater critical reflections including both positive and negative experiences of the PPI process. This will contribute to the further development of PPI and its potential in cancer research.

Older patients with cancer are underrepresented in exercise-based trials. To engage older patients in physical activity (PA), it is necessary to consider age-related decline in health, comorbidities and practicalities. The study aim was to explore attitudes towards PA and exercise among older patients with cancer to inform future exercise-based interventions. Individual interviews (N = 23) were conducted in patients ≥ 65 years with advanced lung, biliary tract and pancreatic cancer receiving palliative oncological treatment. Patients were recruited with a purposive sampling strategy. A semi-structured interview guide focusing on attitudes towards PA and exercise, including barriers, facilitators and motivators, was used. Data on the informants' medical history, demographics and PA level was collected. Identified themes were: 1) a general positive perception of physical activity is expressed 2) comorbidities and external circumstances prevent physical activity, 3) fatigue overshadows life, 4) social support is key to short and long-term motivation, 5) fixed conditions keep one focused, 6) familiarity raises confidence and motivation. Even though perceptions of PA were positive among older patients with cancer, most struggled to stay physically active during oncological treatment. Several factors related to cancer and aging were identified as barriers; most profoundly was the overwhelming feeling of fatigue. Improving physical and mental well-being, fixed conditions (e.g. group-based exercise and supervision) and social support were identified as motivators and facilitators. Preferences for PA varied, but activities that were familiar increased motivation. Exercise programs for older patients with cancer must be adjustable to each patient's limitations, needs and personal resources.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life shortening disease, however prognosis has improved and the adult population is growing. Most adults with cystic fibrosis live independent lives and balance the demands of work and family life with a significant treatment burden. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships among treatment adherence, symptoms of depression and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a population of young adults with CF. We administered three standardized questionnaires to 67 patients with CF aged 18–30 years; Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, Major Depression Inventory, and Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised. There was a response rate of 77 % and a majority of the young adults (84 %) were employed or in an education program. Most participants (74 %) reported low adherence to medications. One third (32.8 %) of the participants reported symptoms of depression. HRQoL scores were especially low on Vitality and Treatment Burden, and symptoms of depression were associated with low HRQoL scores (p < 0.01) with medium to large deficits across on all HRQoL domains (Cohen’s d 0.60–1.72) except for the domain treatment burden. High depression symptom scores were associated with low adherence (r = −0.412, p < 0.001). Despite improved physical health, many patients with CF report poor adherence, as well as impaired mental wellbeing and HRQoL. Thus, more attention to mental health issues is needed.