Trends in exercise initiation and participation among employed breast cancer survivors undergoing curative treatment

Purpose: This study aimed to explore exercise behavior changes among employed breast cancer survivors, focusing on those who did not engage in physical activity prior to their diagnosis, and to identify factors associated with exercise initiation post-treatment in an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse population.

Methods: A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted involving 497 employed women aged 18-64 with stage I-III breast cancer. Participants completed surveys about their exercise habits before diagnosis and four months post-treatment. Statistical analyses, including chi-squared tests and multivariable logistic regression, were used to identify factors associated with exercise initiation.

Results: Among the 130 participants who did not exercise before diagnosis, 64% initiated exercise post-treatment. Key factors influencing exercise initiation included not having employer-provided health insurance and receiving radiotherapy. No significant associations were found with age, income, or comorbidities.

Conclusions: The study highlights that a substantial proportion of employed breast cancer survivors who did not exercise before their diagnosis began exercising after treatment. Factors such as insurance type and treatment modality play a role in this behavior change.

Implications for cancer survivors: Understanding these factors can inform interventions aimed at increasing exercise participation among breast cancer survivors, which is crucial for improving physical function, symptom management, and potentially survival outcomes.