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Physical Exercise Among Survivors of Breast Cancer: Value of Psychological Health, Motivational Interviewing, and Adherence

Submitted:

01 July 2025

Posted:

03 July 2025

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Abstract
For breast cancer fighters, physical activity is an indispensable non-pharmacological intervention to significantly improve their sexual and mental health, however, sustaining an exercise routine with its recompences can be challenging. Consequently, a patient-centered strategy called motivational interviewing (MI) has demonstrated potential in reducing ambivalence and promoting intrinsic drive, which will assist survivors in continuing to engage in physical activity over the long term. Thus, in addition to highlighting the importance of exercise in promoting general well-being, this narrative review explores MI as a tactic to advance adherence and facilitate long-lasting behavior change. It also looks at the ongoing physical, psychological, and sexual health issues that breast cancer survivors confront. Also, exercise regimens may be amended to optimize the advantages for survivors by incorporating customized therapies and psychological support.
Keywords: 
breast cancer
;  
exercise
;  
motivational interviewing
;  
sexual health
;  
physical well-being
Subject: 
Biology and Life Sciences  -   Life Sciences

Introduction

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women globally, and due to breakthroughs in early detection and treatment, survival rates are improving. Nevertheless, the enduring consequences, such as fatigue, anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction, are frequently linked to survival, potentially diminishing overall well-being and quality of life. The stage of cancer is likely to influence the psychological distress encountered by persons with different cancer types and their diverse requirements for supportive care (Y.H. Chou et al.2020) . Likewise, physical, psychological, occupational, social, and sexual issues induce stress in several women confronting the diagnosis and initial treatment phase of breast cancer. Breast cancer survivors exhibit heightened anxiety on the likelihood of cancer recurrence and mortality (B. Thewes et al. 2016). Thus, among breast cancer survivors, post-treatment exercise regimens have too been involved to improve quality of life related to mental well-being, as exercise has been acknowledged for its multifaceted advantages in the physical, psychological, and emotional realms during the survivorship period but despite its well-established benefits, starting and continuing regular physical activity can be extremely tough for many victims due to meantime, lack of confidence and knowledge about the pros of exercise for their cancer outcomes after therapies (A.C. Furmaniak et al. 2016). In this context, the adoption and adherence to exercise among the general population, particularly cancer survivors, have been comprehended and enhanced through numerous psychological theories and motivational tactics (S. Pudkasam et al. 2018). Motivational interviewing (MI) has been effective in facilitating decision-making and diminishing resistance to behavioural change among cancer survivors (F. E. Klonek et al. 2015). Research advocating for corporeal movement among breast cancer fighters has received considerable focus within the oncology sector, owing remarkable projection and consequences (F. Cebral et al. 2011). We intend to discover the emotional (psychological) barriers encountered by survivors of this disease in managing the stress of their condition and participating in physical exercise programs intended to improve their living standard concerning psychological healthiness. To enhance the acceptability and commitment to bodily activities among these individuals, we scrutinize the validity of three psychological theories, one behavioural modification model, and the notion of motivational interviewing (MI).
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Figure 1. Illustrates that breast cancer survivors usually experience lasting consequences.
Figure 1. Illustrates that breast cancer survivors usually experience lasting consequences.
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Methodology

This study employs Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar, and publications predominantly published between 2014 and 2024 to examine research on strength of mind among survivors of breast cancer and the benefits of physical working or exercise plans informed by theories of psychological alterations, concerning the adherence to this program. The major search phrases utilised were breast cancer survivor in relation to psychological health, physical activity, and exercise adherence.
Furthermore, evaluated were reference lists of examined papers for other pertinent sources. Articles not in English were left out, first title and abstracts were checked to find suitable research and afterwards thorough evaluation of complete manuscripts included was done.

Breast Cancer Survivors and Mental Healthiness

Consequently, throughout the changeover from dynamic treatment to follow-up survivorship or maintenance, such patients who fight with breast cancer might face mental health challenges, including body image distortion, sexual dysfunction, fear, sadness, and anxiety concerning their cancer prognosis, along with difficulties related to their employment and familial relationships (Y. H. Chou et al. 2020 and B. Thewes et al. 2016). Due mostly to vasomotor effects (night sweats and hot flashes) and urogenital symptoms (vaginal dryness and decreased libido) following chemotherapy and radiation treatment, younger breast cancer survivors experiencing menopausal symptoms have been reported to have increased mood disturbance compared to older breast cancer survivors (R. J. Santen et al. 2017). These negative effects including changed body image may affect a close relationship with their partner (M. F. Laus et al. 2018). Furthermore, thirty percent of breast cancer survivors say changes in their treatment (from curative to supportive) because they feel abandoned (Y. H. Chou et al. 2020 and F. Williams & S. C. Jeanetta 2016). The current study of breast cancer survivors demonstrates that medical symptoms, treatment side effects (such as fatigue, nausea, discomfort, and difficulties having sex), and marital relationship disruption are all linked to immediate and long-term stressors after diagnosis (D. L. Lovelace et al. 2019). Breast cancer survivors’ levels of stress are likely correlated with their mental health and can cause them to reevaluate their social positions and feel confused about their future (I. Novakov 2024). About one year before diagnosis, over thirty percent of survivors of breast cancer report to have suffered mentally, particularly from sadness and anxiety. Furthermore, one-month post-diagnosis, the incidence of mental illnesses related to stress and mood disorders reaches its zenith in this demographic (R. A. Marrie et al. 2019).

Elements Influencing Psychological Stress and Handling

There is usually a significant association among cancer survivors’ age, gender, education, marital status, kind of cancer, and psychological well-being (E. D. Patsou et al. 2018). Moreover, among breast cancer survivors, psychological disorders like hopelessness (depression), unease (anxiety), diminished devoutness, and reduced sexual gratification are significantly affected by age (D. Wei et al. 2016). According to studies on breast cancer survivors, about half of those under the age of fifty could have depressed symptoms (F. Izci et al. 2016). Younger survivors may encounter greater temperament disturbances and inferior inner adaptation compared to adults, attributable to reproductive concerns and unsatisfactory sexual interactions (M. Maleki et al. 2021). Prolonged recovery from chemotherapy and radiation therapy may mitigate the distressing sensation of concern regarding disease recurrence, notwithstanding the potential positive correlation between neurotic personalities and this fear among breast cancer survivors (R. Micha 2017).
Positive and negative adjustment has been the classification for the coping mechanisms. Fighting spirit that is, seeking social support and information, defines adaptive psychological coping and may help breast cancer survivors to reduce recurrence and extend their survival time (Y. H. Chou et al. 2020 and R. B. Benson et al. 2020. Breast cancer survivors are often characterized by fatalism, indicating a passive acceptance of their condition, or by feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, which can increase their relative risk of mortality (T. V. Merluzzi et al. 2024). Some women who have survived breast cancer say they feel stressed even if they bravely fight their disease (F. Masood and F. Kamran 2023). Still, support from their family is absolutely vital for them to pass the cancer road.
It has been reported that many breast cancer survivors engage in avoidance coping because they may struggle with social limitation, especially when it comes to their loved ones (R. Y. Hu et al. 2021). Consequently, having trouble communicating their feelings about breast cancer exacerbates their mental health, leading to elevated stress, hopelessness, and anxiety (S. Pudkasam et al. 2018). The survivor’s spouse or partner is also impacted by dealing with breast cancer. For example, people could discuss their concerns regarding related cancer problems and collaborate to find solutions (J. J. Mao et al. 2022). To augment mental healthiness and elevate eminence of life and survival rates, health practitioners must evaluate each survivor’s response to cancer and their dealing attitudes (M. Mehrabizadeh et al. 2024).
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Figure 2. Depicts the mental well-being of breast cancer survivors.
Figure 2. Depicts the mental well-being of breast cancer survivors.
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Breast Cancer Survivors and Exercise Adherence

The promotion of physical activity among cancer survivors remains challenging due to many hurdles that hinder acceptance and commitment to cancer rehabilitation programs (S. J. Hardcastle et al. 2018). One of the challenges that breast cancer patients have is a lack of confidence in the advantages of exercise in reducing the risk of long-term breast cancer and the side effects of treatment (J. M. Binkley et al. 2012). According to one study, thirty-two percent of breast cancer survivors stop working out twelve months later. Among the mentioned causes were less education, lack of activity before diagnosis, postmenopausal physical and psychological issues (M. Corbett 2002). Moreover, grownup cancer survivors sometimes mention time difficulties and over-all health problems (S. S. Coughlin et al. 2019).
In the United States, barriers to physical activity among minor female survivors’ groups (American, Hispanic and African) involved fatigue, familial errands, physical limitations, transport matters, employment obligations, and negative perceptions of exercise (M. Seven et al. 2023). Following the completion of a prescribed exercise program, this cancer survivors will probably want supplementary motivation to enhance their exercise adherence (M. Browall et al. 2018). Utilising theoretical models of exercise behaviour may prove beneficial. Theories encompassed are; theory of planned behaviour (TPB), self-determination theory (SDT), trans-theoretical model (TTM), social cognitive theory (SCT) (S. A. H. Friederichs et al. 2016). The execution of exercise lineups based on these concepts has revealed certain adherence paybacks. MI has proven to be an efficient instrument for promoting behavioural change and motivating cancer sufferers to maintain an exercise regimen.
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Figure 3. Shows the adherence to exercise among breast cancer patients.
Figure 3. Shows the adherence to exercise among breast cancer patients.
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Theories of Behavioural Variation Towards Physical Exercise in BCS

Effectiveness and comprehensiveness of all theories employed in the investigation of physical exercise regimens for breast cancer survivors’ post-treatment were assessed (R. Micha 2017). Nevertheless, numerous investigations are not much inclined to adequately examine the perilous determinants of efficiency of program, specifically those influencing the behaviour of breast cancer survivors regarding the use of behavioural change models (M. Perperidi et al. 2023). The researcher is advised to employ Intervention Mapping (IM) to create plans for BCS (S. Kim et al. 2019). IM (a valid evaluative approach and a framework) allows researchers to develop intervention programs grounded in optimal concepts for particular populations (L. Cambon and F. Alla 2021).
Established theories, such as the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), Self-Determination Theory (SDT), and Transtheoretical Model (TTM), have been employed to inform physical exercise programs for breast cancer survivors. Specifically, TTM and SCT were extensively utilised from 2014 to 2024 (A.C. Furmaniak et al. 2016). Research has shown the advantages of different supervisory methods, including email and telephone counselling, on program efficacy (M. Langarizadeh et al. 2017). The following is a summary of several theories that have been employed to enhance the motivation of breast cancer survivors to engage in and maintain physical activity programs, as well as an analysis of their limitations and usefulness.

The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)

TPB suggests that attitude, subjective norm, and perceived control may help predict an individual’s intention to participate in an activity (M. Altaawallbeh et al. 2015). A person’s attitude is a judgment of their own behavioral performance, whereas the subjective standard is their seeming belief in the principles of behavior. Perceived control is a person’s confidence in their capacity to regulate their behavior (M. S. Ding and S. Budic 2016). According to earlier TPB studies, the main factors influencing exercise participation in a range of cancer patients, especially those who have breast cancer are perceived control and intention to exercise (C. Zhang et al. 2022). While, the other elements, confidence and the help of a significant individual, are probably going to help them to keep on exercising (A. Coull and G. Pugh 2021).
In contrast, a recent meta-analysis examined the deteriorating relationship between intention, attitude, and physical activity behaviour in the context of genuine obstacles, such as an individual’s prior behaviour (M. S. Hagger and K. Hamilton 2024). For instance, past behaviors can reduce the impact of attitude on exercise intention in a similar sense as intention on exercise behavior. Studies on the promotion of physical activity using TPB indicated varied levels of intention and physical activity behavior; the variance is most likely affected by perceived self-efficacy (S. V. Ahmadi et al. 2017). Furthermore, not all research has been favorable to TPB in improving exercise behavior. For instance, an analysis exposed just a modest correlation amid exercise, planning and intention execution after 12 weeks in patients of breast cancer (N. Travier et al. 2015). Therefore, alternative hypotheses should be taken into account in creating intervention plans to encourage women in the several phases of breast cancer to adopt exercise and physical activity programs.

Social Cognitive Theory (SCT)

This theory is grounded in the mutual interaction of personal elements including physical traits, emotions, and social support, human behavior, and its surroundings (G. Freeman and D. Y. Wohn 2017). The idea of self-efficacy is one of the primary determinants of SCT. Studies of self-efficacy have found that exercise behavior is influenced (F. Wang et al. 2022). Professionals should also concentrate on the development of the participants and apply optimistic strengthening (V. Gunaretnam 2021) as a corporeal activity advancement program that provided evidence about social supports and self-efficacy to Hispanic breast cancer survivors via weekly phone calls and newsletters revealed that a higher level of exercise self-efficacy beliefs was associated with physical activity intensity (M. Seven et al. 2023 and V. Gunaretnam 2021).
Through the use of tracking one’s own measures (action monitored by accelerometer) and supervision, an SCT-based activity project for survivors was successfully finished (F. G. Stacey et al. 2015). Despite the fact that a three-month intervention program can enhance self-efficacy and reduce perceived barriers to physical activity, Exercise intensity and theory construct factors (e.g., self-worth, consequence anticipation, perceptual hurdles, and goal planning) do not correlate (M. Karloh et al. 2023). In the same vein, previous studies that have utilised SCT have demonstrated that the physical activity behaviour of breast cancer survivors is minimally influenced by task self-efficacy, social support, and role models (B. Rodrigues et al. 2023). Therefore, future research should investigate the potential of SCT to improve physical activity behaviour and the role of the underlying processes in promoting adoption and adherence among cancer patients, with a particular emphasis on qualitative process assessments (T. V. Merluzzi et al. 2024).

Theory of Self-Determination

The cornerstone of this theory is the assumption that humans are motivated to act when their basic needs such as; autonomy, relatedness, and competence are met. Any behaviour has extrinsic to intrinsic motivation as its basis on a spectrum (L. S. Morris et al. 2022). when people engage in exercise behaviour for extrinsic motivations, such as rewards and/or external demands (such as a health professional’s advice). Conversely, intrinsically motivated behaviour is carried out since the person finds it fun, delightful, or of interest (Y. H. Chou et al. 2020). According to SDT, the goal of treatment should be to get people to exercise for their own reasons. Consequently, behaviours that are motivated by internal motivation are more likely to develop into practices and be sustained over time. A study that employed SDT found that breast cancer survivors who follow physical exercise guidelines achieve higher scores on measures of intrinsic motivation and autonomous control than those who do not (E. V. Carraca et al. 2023). Furthermore, degrees of social support seem to be somewhat closely correlated with motivating orientation (intrinsic vs. extrinsic). It is necessary to have higher degrees of social support leading to six times more intrinsic drive among breast cancer survivors (T. C. Lin et al. 2015). Increased social support for practicing exercise would therefore be wise in future interventions.

Transtheoretical Model OR TTM

Based on this model of behavioural modification, one is probably going to pass through six phases of motivating willingness to modify their health practices which include preliminary contemplation, planning, conduct, upkeep and finality (J. M. Binkley et al. 2012). However, these dynamic phases of behavioural modifications can be either constant or consistent and deteriorating (M. Browall et al. 2018). An intercession can be developed to facilitate the transition in various stages, such as the transition from no intention to willingness, the strategy for making a start to action, or the maintenance of a behaviour to prevent it from changing. This is contingent upon the stage in which individuals find themselves. Therefore, the level of the stage a person is in will probably affect the effectiveness of several intervention ideas and approaches (R. A. Marrie et al. 2019). Depending on their stage of life, participants should get suitable direction on fitness programmes for their decision making (F. E. Klonek et al. 2015). TTM has been demonstrated to enhance self-assurance and diminish negative attitudes towards workout when integrated into a physical exercise program for breast cancer survivors. The intervention program utilised introspection as a recreational reward and delivered lectures and discussions on behaviour change (I. Novakov 2024). The findings indicate that the survivors of breast cancer in the intercession group underwent a more unconventional period of transformation compared to those in standard care group (preparation and action versus activity and maintenance) (T. V. Merluzzi et al. 2024). Furthermore, significantly correlated with the degree of self-efficacy was the stage of altering progression (T. C. Lin et al. 2015). This study, however, failed to establish the correlation between stage of behaviour change and perceived negative impact of exercise (S. J. Hardcastle et al. 2018).

Motivating Interviewing (MI) and Alternative Approaches

Breast cancer survivors demonstrated enhanced fitness behaviors and higher levels of physical activity through a variety of other approaches which encompass assistance from society, interpersonal connections, and participatory techniques (K. Wright 2016). Oversight has been provided for exercise intervention programs for breast cancer survivors as community-based, home-based, and center-based (M. Langarizadeh et al. 2017) however, still other delivery strategies such as; email and phone therapy among them have also shown promises (d. M. Hilty et al. 2017). At last, pedometers and accelerometers (self-monitoring tools) have been introduced with success to encourage adherence (T. S. Marin et al. 2019).
Additionally, this theory is being effectively helpful in physical exertion lineups that involve a variety of patient and non-patient demographics. An efficient strategy to start health behavioural modification has been demonstrated by MI, a client-centered approach (M. S. Hagger and K. Hamilton 2024). Although there isn’t a well-defined theoretical framework for understanding the MI process, the idea that people are naturally capable of developing individually through psychological features is a similar premise between MI and SDT (S. V. Ahmadi et al. 2017). The survivors’ capacity to self-care significantly improved in a case, as a result of an treatment that invigorated medical staff to employ MI to motivate patients to exercise frequently in order to avert lymphoedema (R. Micha 2017). Particularly because it has primarily been carried out on breast cancer patients and survivors to promote physical activity and a healthy lifestyle (S. S. Coughlin et al. 2019), for the sustainability of an active lifestyle, research on the adoption of exercise adherence interventions like MI using behavioural change-related theories may be worthwhile (E. James et al. 2016).
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Figure 5. Displays the theories and approaches for behaviour changes in BCS.
Figure 5. Displays the theories and approaches for behaviour changes in BCS.
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Using MI to Encourage Physical Activity Adherence for Breast Cancer Survivors

It has been exposed that by MI method, across six separate phone calls (15 minutes every two weeks) after active treatments improves self-efficacy in overweight Pakistani breast cancer survivors’ food control and exercise engagement throughout a 12-week period. In actuality, this approach showed up to 70% adherence rates (D. L. Lovelace et al. 2019). In order to promote exercise adherence in survivors of breast cancer, 16-week pilot research of a home-based approach that combined aerobic and weight training enhanced weekly exercise time, aerobic fitness, and quality of life by employing MI through in-person and telephone encounters (T. S. Marin et al. 2019) so, the programs adherence depends much on encouraging self-efficacy and self-confidence (K. J. Picha and D. M. Howell 2018). Participating in a fitness routine with MI for six months (one in-person counseling encounter and two telephone interactions) can raise the average weekly intensity of sporting activities for long-term breast cancer survivors who have high self-efficacy attitudes toward fitness behavior (D. M. Hilty et al. 2017).
Furthermore, MI is an extremely effective method for motivating individuals with breast cancer to engage in physical activity during their treatment. Specifically, MI by phone counselling for a period of 12 months was associated with a positive outcome in the context of encouraging patients to lessen their physique by workout and restricted nutrition throughout medication or chemotherapy (B. Rodrigues et al. 2023). MI has been acknowledged as a useful strategy to encourage personal behaviour modification even if it’s ideal implementation is yet unknown (S. Pudkasam et al. 2018). However, additional research is obligatory to examine optimal practice of MI and associated factors that influence exercise devotion in survivors of breast cancer (B. Thewes et al. 2016).

Exercise and Sexual Health Among Survivors of Breast Cancer

Among the most often overlooked and undertreated side effects of breast cancer and its treatments is sexual dysfunction as the physical alterations that impact sexual health include vaginal dryness, decreased libido, dyspareunia (pain during intercourse), and body image disorders brought on by chemotherapy, hormone therapy, mastectomy, and radiations (S. Vegunta et al. 2022). However, by addressing hormonal balance, body confidence, and psychological well-being, exercise is essential for improving sexual health because frequent exercise helps control androgen and estrogen levels, which can improve sexual response and libido (A. M. Stanton et al. 2018). Furthermore, those who become more physically fit tend to have a more favorable body image, which boosts their confidence in close relationships and increases their level of sexual satisfaction. Additionally, exercise is a potent stress and mood-regulation technique that lowers anxiety and depression, two conditions that are known to affect sexual performance (P. Xue et al. 2025). Also, exercise promotes emotional stability and improves general wellbeing, which makes sexual experiences more satisfying and enjoyable.

Conclusion and Future Prospects

Regular exercise offers cancer survivors major advantages. Therefore, it is crucial to create initiatives and apply techniques to enable these people to start and follow physical activity or exercise regimens. This can be facilitated by a variety of theories and process models, including TPB, SCT, SDT, and TTM. It appears that MI is a reliable approach to enhancing adherence. Researchers could utilise MI and the proposed theories, models, and methodologies to create effective workout plans. Development of these initiatives should also take into account the particular obstacles and problems experienced by people with breast cancer as well as their stage of life.
Emotional, spiritual, and social distress are reported by approximately half of breast cancer survivors. In connection with their long-term cancer diagnosis, prognosis, treatment side effects, and apprehension about cancer recurrence, they experience anxiety, foreboding, and despair. Additionally, socializing, intimacy with partners, physical and sexual ability, and body image are likely to be impacted by breast cancer.
Given the strong correlation between these cancer-related stresses and how people perceive illness, their perspective on breast cancer may have an impact on how they cope and adjust. Positively seeing illness management, breast cancer survivors tend to use a suitable coping mechanism to handle anxiety and reduce their cancer-based unease. For instance, their mental wellness-related eminence of life is enhanced due to their active participation in healthy programs, which is motivated by their combative spirit. This is particularly evident in their ability to receive social and familial support. It is likely that the application of these hypothetical models and MI perceptions in programs promoting physical activeness will augment critical factors of behavioural modification, including self-efficacy, self-regulation, and perceived control, which are essential for physical activity rendezvous. Nevertheless, there exist certain constraints associated with employing such contexts to delineate the relationship amongst critical factors of respective framework and behavioural vicissitudes in breast cancer survivors. Furthermore, the development of a motivating strategy for the increase in physical activity participation is contingent upon an understanding of the factors that affect breast cancer survivors, particularly psychological stress. Although psychological theories are employed to encourage the health of breast cancer survivors by altering their behaviour, additional investigation with explicit determinants is essential to comprehend the variables of adherence and sustainability in physical exercise.

Authors Contributions

M.G.H., M.U.A., S.N., H.Y., made substantial contributions to conceptual design and conduction of this study. M.G.H. and M.U.A. reviewed literature, and wrote article. Images were designed by M.G.H. and Critical revisions and corrections of the article were done by S.N. and H.Y. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

No funding was available for this study.

Acknowledgment

We offer a token of tribute to those who have published their studies and data on different platforms for critical review.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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