Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of an athlete-centric nursing approach, integrating the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model (IMB) with mind mapping, on improving self-care and recovery in athletes undergoing cancer treatment. Methods: This study involved 54 athlete patients diagnosed with cancer and undergoing treatment at our institution from January 2020 to January 2022. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups: the control group (27 athletes) receiving standard care, and the intervention group (27 athletes) receiving comprehensive nursing care based on the IMB model and mind mapping. Parameters assessed included nursing satisfaction, quality of life, self-efficacy, hope level, self-care ability, psychological state, and cancer-related fatigue. Results: The intervention group showed a significantly higher total satisfaction rate (96.30%) compared to the control group (70.37%, P < 0.05). Post-treatment, the intervention group exhibited lower scores in anxiety and depression, and higher in self-efficacy (P < 0.05). Notably, emotional, physical, and cognitive fatigue levels were significantly reduced in the intervention group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the intervention group demonstrated enhanced self-care skills, health knowledge, self-responsibility, and autonomy (P < 0.05). Positive behavioral attitudes, emotional well-being, and intimate relations were also markedly improved in the intervention group (P < 0.05). Lastly, significant improvements were observed in cognitive, physical, role functioning, general health, social functioning, and vitality among the intervention group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The tailored, athlete-centric nursing approach using the IMB model combined with mind mapping significantly enhances hope levels, psychological well-being, self-efficacy, self-care capabilities, and reduces cancer-related fatigue in athletes undergoing cancer treatment. This leads to a marked improvement in their quality of life, highlighting the value of personalized, comprehensive nursing care in the treatment and recovery of athlete patients with cancer.