What is breast cancer? Breast cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in breast tissue, and it is the most common type of cancer in women, although it can be seen in men too and It is estimated that one in 8 females and one in 668 males will be diagnosed by the time they are 85. While survival rates are influenced by type and stage at diagnosis, 90% of people will be disease-free five years after their diagnosis. Breast cancer is diagnosed through a mammogram or doctor check-up and the presence of symptoms can differ between individuals. Some common symptoms include lumps in breast tissue, nipple sores, change in shape / size of breast, rash or redness or ongoing pain. Treatment will also depend on type and stage of cancer but most commonly include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone replacement therapy and drug therapy. Some of these therapies are very harsh and lead to a lot of common side effects including hair loss, fatigue, increased fat % → weight gain, difficulty sleeping, nausea, joint pain, bone loss, feeling dazed, and lymphoedema (swelling in chest, breast, or arm). How can exercise help people with breast cancer? Exercise is very beneficial for people with breast cancer and can help to alleviate some of the side effects of these harsh treatments including (fatigue, weight gain, sleeping disturbances, pain, and cognitive impairment). It is also necessary for maintaining functionality and movement during and after treatments. Being physically active after a breast cancer diagnosis is proven through high quality evidence to be associated with a lower risk of recurrence, better overall survival, and reduced risk of developing other chronic conditions. In contrast, inactivity is associated with worsening these side effects of treatments.
What type of exercise is best for people with breast cancer? A combination of aerobic and resistance training is proven to be the most beneficial for breast cancer patients as it is safe and effective. Findings suggest that individuals should be encouraged to participate in their preferred exercise unless clearly dangerous (e.g., if there is risk of fractures or infection). General recommendations are 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and 2 days of muscle strengthening activity; however, this should be modified based on individual exercise capacity and more specific examples are provided below. Aerobic recommendations: examples of this type of exercise include walking, cycling, rowing, running, boxing, swimming and the type should be individualised to each person’s likes. Duration should be approximately 20 minutes spread across days of the week avoiding 2 non-exercising days in a row, but for more deconditioned patients it should be <20 minutes each day of the week. It should be at least moderate intensity and progress when able. Resistance recommendations: dynamic movements are recommended with muscle contractions in any form that will not interfere with muscle groups adversely impacted by treatment for example surgery sites. This form of exercise is recommended to be performed at least 2 x per week with moderate to high intensity with at least 48 hours of rest before working the same muscle group again. To see gains in these exercises they should be progressed depending on individual capacity by modifying repetitions, sets and load. Key considerations while exercising:
- Fatigue. - Joint pain. - Nausea. - Lymphoedema. - Increased risk of infections due to chemotherapy - Increased risk of bone fracture if post-menopausal age due to lower bone mineral density.
How can Exercise Physiologists help?
Exercising while having breast cancer produces extra barriers to participation including fear of worsening symptoms, discomfort from wearing wigs, skin irritation from radiation etc. however goal setting and problem solving with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) can help to overcome those barriers and lead to reduction in sedentary time meaning less severity of treatment side effects.
AEP’s can help people commence / maintain an exercise program and can individualise programs for better outcomes. We also help to encourage different activities a person may be passionate about and provide education on which exercises will most improve a person’s health through behaviour change strategies, advice regarding modifications to account for exercise preferences and barriers, and motivation.
Want to book in for Exercise Physiology Wollongong, head on over to our online bookings CLICK HERE
Tel. (02) 4259 0384 126 Church St, Wollongong, NSW, 2500
14 Churchill Ave, Warrawong, Entry Via Mowbray Lane
Post Created By Emma - Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
Prescribe Exercise are your local exercise physiology specialists. We provide exercise rehabilitation to assist manage and prevent injury and chronic disease in the Wollongong and Illawarra area. Our programs will assist to achieve personal excellence, we do this by taking the time to educate and empower you with the highest quality care and exercise best practice available. We genuinely care for our clients and want to make a difference in your life, we will help you to get better and stay better so that you can regain control of your health once again.
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