'I wouldn't have been interested in just sitting round a table talking about cancer'; exploring the experiences of women with breast cancer in a group exercise trial

Abstract

There is evidence that physical activity improves the psychological and physical health of patients with cancer. However, relatively little attention has been paid to understanding their experiences of exercise. This focus group study explored the experiences of women undergoing treatment for breast cancer who had taken part in a supervised group exercise trial. We found that setting up classes solely for women with breast cancer, led by an expert instructor, helped to reduce gender-related barriers to physical activity, such as difficulties in prioritizing exercise over caring roles and worries about changed appearance. For example, some women challenged traditional expectations of femininity by removing their wigs in the classes in order to exercise in comfort. Respondents valued exercising with women in the 'same boat' because of the empathy and acceptance they received and the opportunities to exchange information and form friendships. However, the action-orientated format of the group was preferred to a talk-based format such as a support group; some respondents felt that the 'last thing' they wished to do was to talk about cancer. Our findings therefore challenge stereotypes about women invariably preferring to cope with cancer through emotional disclosure.

The effect of group cohesion on rehabilitation outcome in cancer survivors

“…Recently, interest has been growing in patients' experience with training within groups. Several authors explored the relevance of group processes by means of in-depth interviews and focus groups [8,[15][16][17]. Cancer patients and survivors emphasized the importance of exercising in groups.…”

The use of cardiac rehabilitation services to aid the recovery of patients with bowel cancer: a pilot randomised controlled trial with embedded feasibility study

“…183,184 This study challenges the assumption that peer support for people with cancer can arise only from shared experience of the same disease. 185 Rather, our study suggests that people with CRC can obtain peer support from people with CHD in the context of rehabilitation. That peer support is not disease dependent opens up the possibilities of rehabilitation for mixed-disease patient groups.…”

Treatment-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Breast Cancer: A Review of the Interest of Practicing a Physical Activity

“…Changes in appearance and body image are also barriers to physical activity because patients can be wearing a wig or a prosthesis [84]. This makes the practice of certain activities, such as swimming, more complicated because of the close-fitting swimsuits [85]. It adds a further barrier to exercise, especially because of the embarrassment patients might feel in public.…”