Study: Few Breast Cancer Patients Follow Diet and Exercise Advise

Few women consume a low-fat diet and exercise at recommended levels following treatment for breast cancer, according to researchers at the Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine Miriam Hospital and Brown Medical School.

"Future work is needed in designing and implementing interventions that will promote adoption and maintenance of healthy dietary and exercise behaviors among breast cancer patients," said Bernardine M. Pinto, PhD, co-author of the study. "It is likely that these positive lifestyle changes may help these women to live longer, healthier lives and enhance their quality of life."

Researchers surveyed 86 women who had been treated for breast cancer. Fifty-four percent of the women were overweight or obese. The overweight and obese women reported they had trouble motivating themselves to change their exercise and eating behaviors.

Researchers conclude that there is a need to improve both diet and exercise behaviors among women treated for breast cancer and emphasis should put on helping these women become self-motivated to effect these changes.

Other Sources: Mayo Clinic