This study explores the effect of integrating Pender's Health Promotion Model with the concept of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) on postoperative health behaviors and rehabilitation outcomes in athletic lung cancer patients. Methods: A total of 98 athletic patients with lung cancer admitted to Wuhu Hospital, affiliated with East China Normal University, between January 2023 and June 2023, were randomly divided into an observation group (Group A) and a control group (Group B). The control group (n=49) underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy and received postoperative care under the ERAS nursing model. The observation group (n=49) was additionally introduced to Pender’s Health Promotion Model, with a focus on enhancing physical activity and overall health behaviors. The study compared treatment outcomes, postoperative recovery, and health education satisfaction between the two groups. Results: The observation group demonstrated significantly higher scores in role function, physical function, and social function compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the observation group showed a significantly lower total incidence of complications, reduced oxygen inhalation time, and shorter hospital stays (P < 0.05). Health education satisfaction was also higher in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The integration of Pender’s Health Promotion Model with the ERAS concept effectively enhances the development of healthy behaviors, reduces postoperative complications, and improves surgical treatment outcomes in athletic lung cancer patients.