Treatment-related and psychosocial variables in explaining physical activity in women three weeks to six months post-treatment of breast cancer

Abstract

Objective: This study examined treatment-related and psychosocial variables in explaining total and leisure time physical activity in breast cancer survivors three weeks to six months post-treatment.

Methods: A questionnaire was used to measure total and leisure time physical activity and relevant determinants among 464 breast cancer survivors (aged 18-65 years).

Results: Personal control was an important overall determinant in explaining physical activity in breast cancer survivors. The impact of treatment-related variables and psychological functioning depended on the working status of the women. Fatigue and poor body image prevented non-working women from being sufficiently physically active. In working women, chemotherapy and arm problems negatively influenced physical activity, whereas therapy side-effects (headaches, hot flashes, feeling unwell) and poor body image positively influenced physical activity. Social support and coping strategies could not explain post-treatment physical activity levels.

Conclusion: Personal control, treatment-related variables and psychological functioning influenced physical activity after cancer treatment. Relations depended on the working status of the women.

Practice implications: Incorporating self-control methods in physical activity interventions after breast cancer could be helpful. Furthermore, interventions should be tailored to the experienced symptoms (fatigue, arm-problems, body image) and working status of women.