Investigating the Preferences and Requirements of Patients and Healthcare Providers for a Physical Activity Program During Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer - Report - MDSpire

Investigating the Preferences and Requirements of Patients and Healthcare Providers for a Physical Activity Program During Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

  • By

  • D. Carolina Andrade

  • Loni Parrish

  • Courtney Harriss

  • Lindsay L. Peterson

  • Ryan P. Duncan

  • Jingqin Luo

  • Maura M. Kepper

  • Christine Marx

  • Mary C. Politi

  • Elizabeth A. Salerno

  • December 12, 2025

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Preferences for Physical Activity Programs During Chemotherapy

Overview

This study investigates the preferences, barriers, and requirements of patients and healthcare providers regarding physical activity programs during chemotherapy for breast cancer. Understanding these preferences is essential for designing effective and sustainable prehabilitation interventions.

Background

Breast cancer is the second-most common cancer in women in the United States, accounting for 30% of all new female cancers each year. Patients receiving local and/or systemic treatments for breast cancer have reported numerous physical and emotional side effects, including depression and declines in mental acuity. Physical activity has been shown to improve both physical and mental health outcomes for breast cancer patients, with studies indicating that physically active survivors report fewer depressive symptoms and have a reduced risk of cancer recurrence and mortality. However, barriers exist in implementing effective physical activity programs during the complex treatment period.

Data Highlights

Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews with patients and clinicians.

Key Findings

Patients and clinicians expressed a need for structured physical activity programs during chemotherapy, highlighting barriers such as emotional overwhelm and lack of referral infrastructure. Prehabilitation may mitigate treatment side effects and improve cognitive function, and understanding patient and clinician preferences is crucial for program design and implementation.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should consider integrating physical activity programs into treatment plans for breast cancer patients. Addressing barriers and aligning program designs with patient and clinician preferences can enhance the effectiveness and uptake of these interventions, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes.

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of understanding the preferences of both patients and clinicians in developing effective physical activity programs during chemotherapy for breast cancer. This knowledge is vital for improving patient outcomes and program sustainability, as supported by existing literature.

References

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  8. Exercise, Diet, and Weight Management during Cancer Treatment: ASCO Guideline - UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
  9. The impact of exercise interventions on domains of quality of life in women diagnosed with breast cancers during chemotherapy treatment: a meta-analytic review - ScienceDirect
  10. Exercise and breast cancer: The importance of physical activity during and after treatment - Mayo Clinic

Original Source(s)

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