Overcoming Exercise Barriers In The Early Recovery Phase Among Breast Cancer Patients

PURPOSE: Although engaging in exercise after breast cancer surgery (BCS) has been shown to facilitate faster recovery, factors influencing exercise participation during the early recovery phase remain unclear in breast cancer patients. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the perceptions, attitudes, and barriers to exercise in breast cancer patients immediately after surgery and up to 4 weeks post-surgery. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative research method was employed to investigate this topic. A purposive sample of 33 breast cancer patients was selected, and each participant was interviewed three times over a one-month period after surgery. RESULTS: We found physical constraints and psychological resistance were identified as barriers to exercise. Postoperative physical symptoms (pain at the surgery site, range of motion, Low levels of fitness, and seroma) and surgical drains were identified as physical constraints. Participants also faced psychological resistance such as lack of willpower, concerns about side effects, and fear of pain. Furthermore, a lack of trustworthy information regarding the timing of exercise initiation and proper types of exercise after surgery was identified as a psychological resistance. CONCLUSION: The identified barriers, both physical and psychological, should be taken into consideration when developing strategies to motivate and support patients in engaging in exercise. The identified barriers, both physical and psychological, should be taken into consideration when developing strategies to motivate and support patients in engaging in exercise.Yonsei Signature Research Cluster Project (2023-22-0017)