Role of Exercise Therapy in Improving Life for Breast Cancer Survivors Studied

British researchers are studying how exercise therapy can improve the quality of life for breast cancer survivors.

Women undergoing treatment for breast cancer can experience depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and sexual problems. They may also fight weight gain, insomnia, fatigue and poor fitness.

Dr. Amanda Daley and her colleagues at Sheffield Hallam University will study 156 breast cancer survivors over three years to observe how exercise therapy consisting of exercise and lifestyle counseling can help recovery and improve the women's quality of life.

Some of the women will participate in an eight-week program of three 30-minute sessions of aerobic exercise weekly, including walking, cycling and stair stepping. They will also receive counseling and advice on diet, smoking, hydration, goal setting and overcoming barriers to health.

The women's quality of life both during and after the program will be assessed and compared to women who did not receive the intervention.

"No research has investigated this issue in the UK and we hope this project will be able to make a real difference to the lives of many women who are recovering from breast cancer," said Daley.

Daley is hopeful that the study's findings will help health professionals develop guidelines for the clinical use of exercise therapy for women recovering from breast cancer.

Other sources: Cancer Research Campaign