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The experience of cancer‐related fatigue, exercise and exercise adherence among women breast cancer survivors: Insights from focus group interviews

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  • Sue Kim
  • Jeehee Han
  • Min Young Lee
  • Min Kyeong Jang

Abstract

Aims and objectives To identify the experience of breast cancer survivors regarding cancer‐related fatigue, exercise and exercise adherence. Background Cancer‐related fatigue is a common symptom among cancer survivors that limits quality of life. Despite exercise being recommended as a viable solution to manage cancer‐related fatigue, relatively few research studies on the experience of cancer‐related fatigue and exercise adherence have been conducted. Design This was a qualitative study to identify breast cancer survivors’ experience of cancer‐related fatigue, exercise and exercise adherence. This paper adhered to the COREQ checklist in reporting. Methods Four focus group interviews were conducted with 16 breast cancer survivors who had fatigue score of 4 out of 10 (moderate fatigue) or greater. Ethical approval was obtained and participants met for focus group interview discussion. The interview guide included questions on cancer‐related fatigue, barriers and facilitators of exercising, strategies for exercise adherence and suggestions for a supportive programme. Results Four themes were identified through thematic analysis: (a) The insidious and overpowering nature of cancer‐related fatigue; (b) exercising when experiencing fatigue surrounded by prevailing myths; (c) multiple barriers to exercise; and (d) facilitative factors to continue exercising despite fatigue. Conclusions Participants’ experience of moderate or greater cancer‐related fatigue prevented them from exercising, despite knowing its importance, and limited them to passive activities. Misconceptions that exercise is associated with lymphedema and risk of recurrence, poor psychosocial self‐image and lack of clear knowledge and exercise programmes for cancer survivors further limited adherence to exercise. In contrast, finding comfort and strength through exercising and interacting with other breast cancer survivors were facilitative factors. Relevance to clinical practice The insights shared by breast cancer survivors experiencing cancer‐related fatigue can contribute to developing an exercise adherence programme as a way to manage and alleviate fatigue and establish healthy survivorship care.

Suggested Citation

  • Sue Kim & Jeehee Han & Min Young Lee & Min Kyeong Jang, 2020. "The experience of cancer‐related fatigue, exercise and exercise adherence among women breast cancer survivors: Insights from focus group interviews," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(5-6), pages 758-769, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jocnur:v:29:y:2020:i:5-6:p:758-769
    DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15114
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Karen M Robinson & Linda B Piacentine & Leslie J Waltke & Alexander V Ng & Judy A Tjoe, 2016. "Survivors speak: a qualitative analysis of motivational factors influencing breast cancer survivors’ participation in a sprint distance triathlon," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 25(1-2), pages 247-256, January.
    2. Tereza Raquel de M Alcântara‐Silva & Ruffo Freitas‐Junior & Nilceana MA Freitas & Graziela DP Machado, 2013. "Fatigue related to radiotherapy for breast and/or gynaecological cancer: a systematic review," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 22(19-20), pages 2679-2686, October.
    3. Ussher, Jane & Kirsten, Laura & Butow, Phyllis & Sandoval, Mirjana, 2006. "What do cancer support groups provide which other supportive relationships do not? The experience of peer support groups for people with cancer," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 62(10), pages 2565-2576, May.
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