Rationale and aims: The beneficial role of physical activity for people living with cancer is well established. However, the importance of physical activity to women living with metastatic breast cancer is not known. As perceptions and beliefs influence willingness to be active, a qualitative study was undertaken to explore what are their perceptions and beliefs towards physical activity.
Methods: Women with metastatic breast cancer were recruited through a metropolitan cancer centre to participate in semi-structured interviews about their physical activity experiences, motivations, and goals, guided by the Transtheoretical Model of behaviour change. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed.
Results: Twenty-three women participated; mean age was 61 years (range=34-84) and mean time since metastatic diagnosis was 3.5 years (range=0.4-8.5). Twelve women were engaged with physical activity, seven intended to be active but found it challenging, and four reported nominal interest in physical activity. Nine themes were identified, organised into four categories: 1) predispositions towards physical activity, supported by themes around the importance of enjoyment and energy for physical activity, and positivity and mental resilience as facilitators; 2) health-related reasons for physical activity, with themes around motivation from the various physical and mental health benefits; 3) social influences, supported by themes around exercising with others, social support and role models, and navigation of others’ disparate opinions on MBC; and 4) specific connections between physical activity and MBC, supported by themes around the uncertainty of prognoses motivates current physical activity, and the impact of unhelpful generalised perceptions of limitations from MBC.
Conclusions: Participants described a wide-ranging spectrum of experiences and perceptions toward physical activity. Whilst most women perceived improved physical and mental well-being from being physically active, some women were not engaged in being physically active. Implementation strategies that address both their beliefs and those around them may address this gap.