Insights into Breast Cancer Survivors’ Return to Physical Activity: Challenges and Opportunities

Women recovering from breast cancer often face a complex journey when it comes to maintaining physical activity post-treatment. A recent comprehensive review, titled "Life post diagnosis: Female adult breast cancer survivors' experience with physical activity," synthesizes insights from 200 survivors and highlights both significant benefits and persistent challenges associated with staying active. The study, published in The Breast Journal, emphasizes how physical activity can profoundly improve physical strength, psychological well-being, and social connectedness. Many survivors report feeling more resilient, confident, and engaged with their communities as a result of regular exercise.

However, the review also identifies notable barriers that hinder sustained activity. Common obstacles include fatigue, pain, and lingering side effects of treatments, alongside a widespread lack of clear guidance and personalized advice tailored to individual needs. Survivors expressed a desire for flexible, supportive programs that accommodate their specific capacities and preferences, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective.

The study underscores the need for formal national guidelines to assist health professionals in providing practical, individualized advice. Dr. Fiona Muirhead, lead author and senior lecturer at the University of Strathclyde, stressed the importance of integrating physical activity into survivorship care plans. She advocates for improved access to safe, appropriate, and supported opportunities—especially in rural and underserved areas—to help women stay active throughout their recovery.

By addressing these challenges through tailored programs and better professional support, survivors can continue to experience the transformative benefits of physical activity, ultimately enhancing their quality of life after breast cancer.