An exploratory qualitative study of the meaning and value of a running/walking program for women after a diagnosis of breast cancer

Abstract

Purpose: To generate insights into the personal meaning and value of a running/walking program for women after a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Methods: After completing a 12-week running/walking program with a 5-km training goal, eight women were interviewed and seven participated in a focus group. The interviews and focus group were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were thematically analyzed.

Results: Data portrayed the personal benefits and value of the clinic. Four themes were identified: (1) receiving practical information and addressing targeted concerns, (2) pushing personal limits, (3) enabling a committed mindset, and (4) seeing benefits and challenges of running/walking with a group.

Conclusions: Findings provide initial understanding of how women experience a running/walking program after a diagnosis of breast cancer and what they find to be important about their experiences. The range of positive benefits experienced by women suggests a running/walking program can help fill a gap in care for women diagnosed with breast cancer, and thus be part of cancer rehabilitation. However, because some women felt isolated at times, future research should seek to examine how running/walking programs can be modified and tailored so that all women find it socially beneficial.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can result in side effects and increase the risk of long-term disability.

• Physical activity can help women manage the side effects and lessen the risk of long-term disability.

• In a relatively small sample, this study shows that participation in a running/walking program can be an important part of breast cancer recovery.

Keywords:

• Physical activity
• breast cancer
• qualitative study
• survivorship
• cancer rehabilitation

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the participants who offered their time and insights, the staff at the Running Room who facilitated this research, as well as Brianna Hammond for her assistance in conducting interviews.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported in part by the Canada Research Chairs Program (Chair held by the fourth author), and this manuscript was prepared while the first author was supported by a Canadian Cancer Society Career Development Award in Prevention.