Breast Cancer and Exercise: Measuring the Benefits
from BestHealth, January 2004

Research suggests that regular physical activity can help combat some side effects of breast cancer treatment, including nausea, weight gain and body image concerns.

“Physical activity appears to have an impact on both the physical and psychological health of breast cancer patients,” says Roger T. Anderson, Ph.D., who is leading a four-year study of 200 local women to document the effects of exercise.

“Women with breast cancer typically have lower levels of physical activity,” said Anderson, an associate professor of Public Health Sciences. “If our study confirms the benefits of activity, it could lead to exercise being incorporated into cancer treatment regimens.”

Study participants will receive diet and exercise recommendations. Some may take part in a six-month exercise program that includes walking, strength training and stretching. Participants will also receive two scans to measure bone density and body fat.

“We are intervening at a rare moment of opportunity,” said Shannon Mihalko, Ph.D., an assistant professor of Health and Exercise Science who is assisting with the study.

One goal of the research is to determine if exercise will offset any of the negative outcomes associated with diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The study also educates women about lymphedema, an accumulation of lymph fluid that causes swelling in the arm and hand.

“Theory suggests that the self confidence that is built from exercise can lead to increased levels of physical activity, improvements in body image and ultimately, enhanced quality of life,” said Mihalko.

RESTORE Confidence

• An earlier Wake Forest study showed that women who were part of an eight-week exercise program were more self-confident and active, had improved strength and burned more calories per day. They also tended to be less anxious about their bodies.
• The new study, “Research on Optimal Recovery Practices in Breast Cancer,” or RESTORE, is open to women of all ages who have had surgery for breast cancer within two to ten weeks at Forsyth Medical Center, High Point Regional Hospital, Winston-Salem Health Care and Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.
• To learn if you’re eligible, call Kathy Bokeno at 336-713-0398.