Experiences of post-surgery exercise among middle-aged adults with early lung cancer

This study aimed to explore post-surgery exercise experiences of middle-aged early lung cancer survivors. This qualitative study used phenomenological methods reflecting Merleau-Ponty's perspectives of the body.

The participants were 22 adults (aged 40-64) with stage I non-small cell lung cancer, who underwent surgery at a university hospital in Seoul, South Korea, between May and October 2017. Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews. Narrative meaning was constructed and basic structure of the research topic was confirmed.

Three themes and eight subthemes captured the post-surgery exercise experiences of middle-aged early lung cancer survivors: "quickly regaining one's daily life at a time of turmoil," "efforts to exercise in a healthy manner," and "conflict between the need to exercise and practical difficulties." Participants quickly returned to their daily lives post-surgery and tried to participate in smart exercise regimes to prevent recurrence. However, they experienced obstacles such as psychological pressure, lack of time, and difficulty continuing exercise, due to lack of specific exercise information and guidelines for patients with lung cancer.

Customized exercise interventions and education programs considering patients' physical condition and lifestyle environment need to be developed in both clinical and community settings.