Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39810104›Full record

ArticleBMC cancer2025

Motivations and perceptions for physical activity in women living with metastatic breast cancer: a qualitative interview study.

Mark Liu, Sharon Kilbreath, Jasmine Yee, Jane Beith, Justin McNab, Elizabeth Dylke

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC cancer, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Mark LiuThe University of Sydney School of Health Sciences, Susan Wakil Health Building, Western Avenue, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.
Sharon KilbreathThe University of Sydney School of Health Sciences, Susan Wakil Health Building, Western Avenue, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.
Jasmine YeeThe University of Sydney School of Health Sciences, Susan Wakil Health Building, Western Avenue, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.
Jane BeithChris O'Brien Lifehouse, 119-143 Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.
Justin McNabThe University of Sydney School of Health Sciences, Susan Wakil Health Building, Western Avenue, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.
Elizabeth DylkeThe University of Sydney School of Health Sciences, Susan Wakil Health Building, Western Avenue, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia. elizabeth.dylke@sydney.edu.au.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe beneficial role of physical activity for people living with cancer is well established. However, the importance of physical activity to women living with metastatic breast cancer is not known. As motivations and perceptions around physical activity influence behavioural uptake, a qualitative study was undertaken to explore the motivations and perceptions towards physical activity of this group.

methodsWomen living with metastatic breast cancer were recruited through a metropolitan cancer centre in Australia to participate in semi-structured interviews about their physical activity. Open-ended questions explored health-specific factors, goals, barriers, enablers, and interests. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed.

resultsTwenty-three women participated; median age was 60 years (IQR: 20) and median time since metastatic diagnosis was 3.3 years (IQR: 3.0). Twelve women were engaged with physical activity, seven reported intentions to be active but found it challenging, and four reported nominal interest in physical activity. Four categories, covering nine themes, were identified: (i) predispositions towards physical activity, incorporating themes on enjoyment and energy, and positivity and mental resilience; (ii) health-related motivations behind physical activity, incorporating themes on physical and mental health benefits; (iii) social motivations behind physical activity, incorporating themes on enjoying exercise with others, role models and social support, and others' negative perceptions of metastatic breast cancer; and (iv) connections between physical activity and metastatic breast cancer, incorporating themes on prognosis uncertainty, and reframing limiting perceptions.

conclusionsParticipants described a wide-ranging spectrum of experiences and perceptions toward physical activity. Whilst most women perceived improved physical and mental well-being from being physically active, some women were not engaged in being physically active. Behaviour change strategies that target both their attitudes and those around them may address this gap.

Indexed as

Breast NeoplasmsExerciseMotivationAdultAgedAustraliaFemaleHumansInterviews as TopicMiddle AgedNeoplasm MetastasisPerceptionQualitative ResearchAttitude to health.Behaviour changeBreast cancerExerciseInterviewsMetastaticPhysical activityQualitative researchQuality of lifeSocial support

Identifiers

PMID39810104
PMCPMC11730129

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.