Research on cancer survivors suggests that either as result of having cancer or the treatment (chemotherapy or radiation), there is a higher rate of depression, decreased quality of life (QOL), weight gain and non-cancer co-morbid conditions such as heart disease and diabetes continue or worsen (Dow, 2003; Dow, Ferrell, Haberman, & Eaton, 1999; Dow et al., 1996; Ferrell & Dow, 1997; Ganz, 2001; Polinsky, 1994; Roux, Bush, & Dingley, 2001). A gap in knowledge exists on comprehensive health needs and the best timing of in terventions tailored to survivorship issues in the first year post-treatment to address these issues. Epidemiologic studies have shown that increased physical activity is associated with decreased risk for recurrent breast cancer and the incidence of colon cancers, decreased weight gain and depression, and enhanced QOL. However, the scientific evidence on the amount, type, and intensity of physical activity to recommend immediately after cancer treatment is unknown. Nor is it established at what point the client has returned to a level of function and immune status post-treatment at which they can tolerate and are physically and mentally ready to initiate an increase in exercise. In order to address these gaps in knowledge, a pilot study is needed to describe the basic relationships among biopsychosocial components of health status in this population. Thus, this cross-sectional pilot study will examine numerous health status variables among women during the first year post-treatment for stage I, II, and III abdominal and breast solid tumor cancers. This study will provide preliminary evidence for the next step in the program of research, i.e., to address the timing, amount, type and intensity of physical activity indicated in this population. Ultimately, this knowledge will lead to empirically based directions for future interventions aimed at improving health outcomes for women surviving cancer.
The specific aims for this pilot study are congruent with the goals of the Center for Biobehavioral Clinical Research (CBCR) to examine the integration of biological and behavioral variables in the context of cancer survivorship. The specific aims of this pilot study are to:

1. Describe women in terms of their health status (including immune status, symptomatology, and anthropometric variables), as well as psychosocial indicators of health status (depression, inner strength, quality of life, psychological well-being, and confidence in self-management) during the first year post treatment for stage I, II, or III solid tumor cancers.
2. Describe women regarding their survivorship experiences in relation to resource needs, greatest challenges, previous history of exercise, and their perceived readiness and the best timing to initiate an exercise program after treatment.
3. Evaluate participant recruitment strategies (especially for minorities and women with various cancers) and the feasibility of obtaining measures 0-12 months following cancer treatment.

This cross-sectional study will examine these variables in 40 women aged 21 and older with stage I, II, or III solid tumor cancers including abdominal (colorectal), genitourinary (renal, uterine, ovarian, cervical), and breast cancer. Participants will have finished any chemotherapy and radiation regime.