Physical Self-Perceptions, Body Size, and Exercise Among Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

The diagnosis of breast cancer and subsequent treatment often results in physical and psychological challenges. Because cancer treatment can have a negative effect on physical self-perceptions (PSP) and quality of life (QOL), it is important to investigate this relationship and develop strategies to help survivors address these factors. PURPOSE: To explore the relationship of exercise behavior, fitness, body size and PSP among women recently diagnosed with Stage II and III breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy and to examine the association between PSP and QOL. METHODS: Women (n=40) participated in a pilot study of a weight gain prevention intervention for breast cancer survivors combining exercise and dietary approaches. We analyzed baseline data using correlation analysis to examine associations among PSP, exercise, fitness measures, body size, and QOL measures. RESULTS: There were significant negative correlations between Body Mass Index (BMI) and PSP for attractive body, physical function, self-worth and (rs= -.52, -.56, -.58); however, fitness measures were not associated with PSP scores. Women who reported participating in ≥150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week had significantly higher PSP physical function scores (t(13)=2.43, p=.01). We found significant positive associations between PSP for physical function and QOL including vitality (r=.48), role emotional (r=.43), general health (r =.42) social (r=.39) and physical (r=.37) functioning as measured by the MOS SF-36. CONCLUSION: Women participating ≥150 per week of moderate physical activity had significantly higher perceptions physical function, and PSP of physical function was associated with QOL among women recently diagnosed with Stage II and III breast cancer. Examining how PSP might affect survivors' receptivity to a weight gain prevention intervention during treatment, and the influence of such an intervention on subsequent self-perceptions and QOL could inform future weight management intervention development for survivors.