The roles of mind-body exercise in the health care of breast cancer survivors in Malaysia

Low intensity exercise but with potential benefits was more preferable as an alternative to more vigorous exercise when striving for health benefits for breast cancer patients and survivors. The present study seeks to understand the roles of mind-body exercise particularly Guolin Qigong in the health care of breast cancer survivors in Malaysia, the motivation factors that drove these survivors to practise a low intensity exercise such as Guolin Qigong and the outcomes gained from this exercise. A purposive sampling technique and in-depth interview was employed to 13 informants from five regions in Malaysia. The findings of the study indicated that the Qigong exercise has developed self-empowerment and helped these women to be responsible for their own life particularly physical, psychosocial and spiritual. It also serves as an avenue for support and communication among the breast cancer survivors. The motivations from them to practise Qigong were supported by the need of these women to survive and their belief in this Guolin Qigong in healing their cancer and its adaptable form of exercise which led to their enjoyment into integrating this exercise into their daily routine. The outcome gained from this exercise were feeling good, lessened anxiety, found peacefulness, strengthen immune system and found internal strength and direction in fighting their cancer. Lastly, this study provided better understanding for all cancer patients and survivors the roles of Guolin Qigong exercise in enhancing quality of life for cancer patients and survivors. These findings can be used to health practitioners and health providers to promote Guolin Qigong exercise and motivate all cancer patients and survivors to practise Guolin Qigong.