Lung cancer (LC) is the most and second most common cancer globally and locally, respectively. Nearly half of LC patients are diagnosed in the advanced stage. Fatigue is perceived to be the most distressing symptom. Physical activity has been proposed as an alternative treatment to relieve fatigue and related problems.~Mobile instant messaging applications (e.g. WhatsApp/WeChat) are popular and inexpensive for interactive messaging. A systematic review showed a majority of messaging interventions were effective in diabetes self-management, weight loss, physical activity (PA), smoking cessation, and medication adherence.~The proposed randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to examine the effectiveness of SES on relieving fatigue, pain, dyspnea, happiness, anxiety and depression symptoms, physical activity level, physical fitness performance, sleep quality and habits, and quality of life in ALC patients (SES group), compared to the General Hygiene Information (GHI, control) group.~Questionnaires and simple fitness tests will be used at baseline, 6-week, and 24-week assessments. Qualitative feedback will be obtained at the completion of the trial.
Lung cancer (LC) is a common cancer in the world. Among all symptoms, Fatigue is considered as the most distressing medical condition of LC. Prior studies revealed that physical activity effectively relieve fatigue and related problems. The current study attempt to explore the effectiveness of SMART Exercise Support Program (SES) with the use of mobile instant messaging application, on reducing symptoms such as fatigue, and improving physical activity level, physical fitness performance, sleep quality and habits, and quality of life in advanced lung cancer (ALC) patients.