Researchers with the American Association for Cancer Research report that regular physical activity may ease some adverse effects of breast cancer treatment, including shortness of breath, fatigue, and nausea. The study results, published on the association’s site, highlight exercise as a potential support for people undergoing therapy for breast cancer.
Breast cancer and its treatments can take a toll on a person’s daily life. Common challenges include breathlessness, persistent tiredness, and nausea. Scientists set out to determine if an exercise program could improve comfort and overall well-being for those affected. They organized a study involving 357 volunteers from Germany, Poland, Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Australia. Participants received guidance on safe exercise and carried out a program that combined aerobic workouts with balance and coordination training over nine weeks. Approximately half of the participants, 178 people, engaged in supervised activities.
To gauge impact, volunteers completed surveys every three months that examined physical health, mental and emotional well-being, and financial quality of life. Researchers also tracked clinical changes throughout the trial. Results showed that those who maintained a regular exercise routine experienced meaningful health improvements. At the six-month mark, participants reported easier social interaction, averaging a 5.5-point rise on measures of communication in society. They also reported a 7.6-point reduction in shortness of breath and a 7.1-point drop in pain. These findings underscored the potential for exercise to bolster daily functioning and symptom management during treatment.
The nine-month study also revealed that many participants grew accustomed to exercising and expressed intentions to continue the routines beyond the formal trial. The investigators suggest that physical activity could become an effective component of breast cancer care. Realizing this potential may require policymakers and insurers in North America to support access to appropriate programs, including supervised options, community-based classes, and home-based plans that fit individual needs and budgets.
In earlier discussions, exercise has been described as strengthening skeletal muscles and contributing to better blood pressure control. The current findings add to that understanding by linking consistent activity to improved breath control, reduced symptom burden, and enhanced social participation for breast cancer patients and survivors.